In a major relief for road accident victims, the Central Government has launched the Prime Minister’s Relief Scheme to ensure immediate medical treatment and help save lives.
Under the scheme, people injured in road accidents can receive cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh without paying anything upfront. The initiative aims to provide quick medical assistance during the critical period after an accident.
Free Treatment During the Critical ‘Golden Hour’
According to Sub-Divisional Officer and Regional Transport Authority (RTA) official Subhash Chandra, the first hour after a road accident is known as the “golden hour.”
Medical experts believe that timely treatment during this period can prevent nearly 50% of accident-related deaths.
To improve survival rates, accident victims on national highways, state highways, and city roads will be eligible for quality cashless treatment for up to seven days. The government will cover medical expenses up to a maximum of ₹1.5 lakh per person.
The scheme was recently reviewed in a video conference meeting chaired by Mahmood Ahmed, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Following the meeting, district officials were instructed to ensure smooth implementation of the scheme.
Treatment Must Start Immediately
The benefit will be available at all government and private hospitals empanelled under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).
Officials have directed hospitals to begin treatment immediately when an accident victim arrives. Hospitals have been told not to wait for paperwork, identity verification, or advance payment before starting medical care.
Authorities have also warned that strict legal action will be taken against any hospital found delaying treatment or showing negligence.
The treatment costs will be paid through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF), ensuring that victims and their families do not face financial stress during emergencies.
Digital System for Faster Support
To make the process transparent and efficient, the scheme has been integrated with digital platforms.
Police officials have been instructed to upload accident details on the Ministry of Road Transport’s e-DAR (Electronic Detailed Accident Report) portal
and the National Health Authority’s transaction management system as soon as an accident is reported.
This will help hospitals receive payments online without delays.
The scheme is also linked to the Emergency Response Support System (Dial 112), allowing victims or bystanders to quickly call for an ambulance and emergency assistance.
