In a historic move to boost road safety and emergency healthcare, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), with the support of the National Health Mission, has officially launched the ‘Cashless Treatment Scheme-2025’. This ambitious scheme, unveiled on May 5, 2025, offers free, cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for all road accident victims during the critical ‘Golden Hour’—the first hour after an accident when prompt medical care can save lives.
The scheme, operating under Section 162 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, covers treatment costs up to ₹1.5 lakh for up to 7 days in designated hospitals. Significantly, even if a victim is admitted to a non-designated hospital, initial stabilisation expenses will also be reimbursed, ensuring immediate and uninterrupted care.
Anyone—including family members, Good Samaritans, police personnel, ambulance staff, co-passengers, or the driver—can bring the injured person to a hospital. The process is designed to be bureaucracy-free, prioritising life over paperwork.
For efficient implementation, a robust structure has been set up:
- A 10-member Steering Committee at the national level, chaired by the MoRTH Secretary.
- State Road Safety Councils, led by respective State Transport Ministers.
- District Road Safety Committees, headed by District Magistrates, to supervise ground-level execution.
Treatment coordination, data reporting, claim verification, payments, and grievance handling will all be managed via the TMS online portal. Hospitals must receive payments within 10 days of approval, with claims being verified by State Health Agencies and funded through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, contributed by the Central Government and General Insurance Companies.
In parallel, the government has reinforced the Hit and Run Motor Accident Compensation Scheme, 2022, offering:
- ₹2 lakh compensation for death cases.
- ₹50,000 compensation for grievous injuries.
Each district has a dedicated Hit-and-Run Committee, chaired by the District Magistrate, ensuring swift claim processing.
To claim compensation, the victim or their family must:
- Report the accident to police.
- Submit treatment documents, ID proof, and bank details.
- File an application with the Claim Inquiry Officer.
Processing Timeline:
- Claim processing within 1 month.
- Payout within 15 days of verification.
In case of a road accident or hit-and-run incident:
- Call 112 immediately.
- Do not panic.
- Help the injured.
- Note vehicle details if possible.
- Call for an ambulance.
The government urges citizens to share this vital information widely, emphasizing that awareness and quick action save lives. The Cashless Treatment Scheme-2025 marks a giant leap towards building safer roads and an inclusive emergency response system across India.