Road accidents and free treatment

A central scheme has come into effect to provide free treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh to those injured in road accidents. The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a notification in this regard. The scheme ensures emergency treatment up to the specified amount without any payment at government and private hospitals across the country. The benefits of the scheme are available up to seven days after the accident. Doctors describe the first hour after an accident as the 'golden hour'. If treatment is provided within this time, even seriously injured people can be brought back to life. Hence, it can be said that this project will undoubtedly benefit those who are victims of road accidents.

It is a reality that many people have stayed away from taking those injured in road accidents to the hospital due to the fear of having to bear the expenses. Often, road accident victims have had to lie at the scene of the accident until the police or other concerned parties reach the spot. Even if they were taken to the nearest private hospital, hospital authorities used to shift them to government hospitals without providing emergency treatment because there was no one to pay the fee. There have been incidents where the accident victims lost their lives in the meantime. The new project is a great solution to all such matters. The National Health Authority is responsible for implementing the project. The Road Safety Council will be the nodal agency in the states.

Since the money for the hospitals is provided by the central government, it can be assumed that the project will definitely be implemented. The scheme, which was launched in Chandigarh on March 14, 2024, was implemented on a pilot basis in six states. It was implemented nationwide this month. The list of designated hospitals will be available on the portal of the State Road Safety Council or the National Health Authority. The biggest feature of this scheme is that everyone will get the same benefit, regardless of whether they are rich or poor. If any kind of criteria is set in such schemes, then there is a possibility of treatment being denied later on. The prevailing situation here is that there are more liabilities for motorists and fewer services from the government. The vehicle owner is liable to pay a large amount to the government as road tax and toll collection, but they do not get services in return.

At least the condition of the roads has started improving in this modern era. In Kerala, that too has not been completed. At least a certain percentage of the huge fines collected for traffic violations should be spent on other services for motorists. In the future, the central and state governments will get the most money from our national highways. The implementation of a service like the cashless treatment scheme is welcome in this situation. Consideration should be given to increasing the amount in the future. Similarly, it is desirable to have provisions to provide more money to those who suffer head injuries in accidents.