Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced a historic scheme for the victims of road accidents, which is going to provide relief to every Indian citizen. Under this new scheme, victims of road accidents will be provided cashless treatment within the first 24 hours after the accident. This scheme is not only a step to provide immediate help after accidents, but also shows the seriousness of the government towards road safety in the country.
Nitin Gadkari said, “As soon as the police is informed after a road accident, the victim will be taken to the nearest hospital, where he will get free treatment for the next seven days or up to a maximum of ₹1.5 lakh.”
How will this plan work?
- Immediately inform the police:
It will be mandatory to inform the police immediately after the accident. As soon as the police receives information, the victim will be admitted to the nearest government or private hospital. - Cashless treatment facility:
Under this scheme, the victim will not require any kind of cash for treatment. The hospital will receive payment directly from government funds. - Free treatment for 7 days:
Even in the most severe cases, the victim will be given completely free treatment for seven days. - Compensation in hit and run cases:
Gadkari also announced that If someone dies in hit and run cases, his family will be given compensation up to ₹2 lakh.
Serious situation of road accidents in India
Every year lakhs of people become victims of road accidents in India. According to government figures, In 2022, approximately 1.5 lakh people lost their lives in road accidents. Many of these victims lose their lives due to lack of timely treatment.
- One death every four minutes:
On an average, one person dies in a road accident every four minutes in India. - Hit and run cases are increasing:
Hit and run cases have increased in the last few years. In these cases, victims are often deprived of timely treatment.
Why is cashless treatment scheme important?
- Need for emergency medical attention:
People injured in road accidents often do not have money for treatment. The cashless treatment scheme will provide them immediate relief. - Compensation in hit and run cases:
Providing compensation to families in hit and run cases is a commendable step, which makes the scheme more humane. - Financial burden will be reduced:
There will be less financial pressure on poor and middle class families, as road accidents often entail huge expenses for treatment.
economic aspect of the scheme
The scheme will be largely dependent on government funding. Gadkari said that the government is preparing a special fund for this scheme. Other than this, Revenue from insurance companies and road tax will also be used.
India’s initiatives at international level
Many countries in the world already have emergency medical schemes in place for victims of road accidents. With the implementation of this scheme in India, the country will set a new example in the matter of road safety.
- Example of schemes like Germany and Sweden:
Emergency medical services in these countries are highly advanced. India is also taking steps in this direction. - World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations:
According to WHO, timely treatment is the most important factor in reducing the mortality rate of people injured in road accidents.
general public reaction
After this announcement, a series of reactions have started on social media also.
- Rahul Sharma (Delhi): “This is a great step. If this plan is implemented properly, thousands of lives can be saved.”
- Smita Pandey (Mumbai): “The announcement of compensation in hit and run cases will be a big relief to the families of the victims.”
Other schemes of the government
The scheme is part of Gadkari’s other initiatives focused on road safety.
- Road Safety Campaign:
The government has launched several campaigns to raise awareness about road safety in schools and colleges. - Attempt to improve black spots:
Special attention is being given to improving black spots to reduce road accidents.
This scheme of Nitin Gadkari has brought a new hope for the victims of road accidents in the country. The cashless treatment scheme will not only provide immediate help after accidents, but will also bring a revolutionary change in the Indian road safety ecosystem. If this scheme is implemented properly, it will prove helpful in saving millions of lives.
