Rs 1.5 lakh for first seven days from centre, but scheme to be delayed in Kerala

KOCHI: The central scheme that provides emergency medical assistance of up to Rs 1.5 lakh to those involved in road accidents will be delayed in Kerala. Although the initial procedures have been started, the scheme is not guaranteed for this financial year, said the officials of the nodal agency, the State Road Safety Authority. The delayed scheme provides medical assistance to victims of accidents caused by uninsured vehicles. It was launched as a pilot scheme in six states last year.

Each victim of a road accident will be given up to Rs 1.5 lakh for the first seven days of treatment. This does not have to be repaid. Hospitals with trauma care facilities will be included in the scheme. The bill amount can be claimed directly by the hospitals. The aim is to ensure that road accident victims are not denied treatment during the crucial 'golden hour' due to a lack of money. Age and income are not factors.

The fund is being jointly raised by general insurance companies and the central government. Even the occupants of the vehicle that caused the accident get help in case they are injured. Accidents should be reported to the police within 24 hours.

The Ministry of Transport had issued a notification on May 5, 2025, to implement the scheme nationwide under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Arogya Yojana. The plan was to include more than six hundred hospitals in Kerala.

Systems need to be prepared

The systems specified in the central scheme need to be prepared. These include bank accounts in the name of district collectors, a login system for applications, a grievance redressal committee, a memorandum of understanding with hospitals, a system for issuing digital signature certificates for claims, etc.

Where will the funds come from?

The respective insurance companies will pay the bill for accidents involving insured vehicles. Those who are victims of accidents involving uninsured vehicles will be given money from the central fund.

Number of people granted medical assistance so far: 4971

Centre's allocation for accidents involving uninsured vehicles (2025-26): Rs 272 crore