The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is gearing up to introduce a nationwide initiative for cashless medical treatment of road accident victims within the next three to four months, according to a high-ranking government official. Anurag Jain, the Secretary of Road Transport and Highways, announced this development during an event organized by the Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE) on Monday. Jain highlighted that India currently holds the dubious distinction of having the highest number of road accident fatalities globally.
The provision for free and cashless medical treatment for victims of road accidents is an integral part of the amended Motor Vehicle Act 2019 (MVA2019). While some states have already implemented this provision, the Ministry of Roads, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aims to fully implement it nationwide.
Jain emphasized that the objective is to offer access to cashless trauma care treatment for road accident victims at the nearest appropriate hospital, in alignment with a Supreme Court ruling and empowered by the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act 2019 (MV Amendment Act). He further stated that this cashless treatment would be extended to road accident victims, including the critical golden hour, defined by the MV Amendment Act as the crucial first hour after an accident when immediate medical attention can significantly impact outcomes.
Additionally, Jain informed the audience that the Union Ministry of Education has agreed to incorporate road safety into the curriculum of schools and colleges as part of an initiative to enhance education and awareness about road safety. Furthermore, various measures have been implemented in vehicular engineering, such as the introduction of seat belt reminders and the Bharat NCAP.
President of IRTE, Rohit Baluja, disclosed that global road safety experts attending the event would collaborate on formulating and finalizing recommended codes of safe practice. These codes would cover driver certification, diagnosis of road crashes through multi-disciplinary crash investigation, and ensuring the safety of vulnerable road users. The concerted efforts of these experts aim to contribute to a safer road environment in the country.
As of the latest available data on road accidents in India until 2021, the figures reveal a pressing need for comprehensive measures to address and mitigate the alarming rate of road accidents and fatalities in the nation.
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