Govt Plans Free 7-Day Medical Treatment for Road Accident Victims

Key Highlights

• Free medical treatment for all road accident victims for 7 days.

• The initiative focuses on saving lives during the “golden hour.”

• Builds on the Motor Vehicles Act provisions and the Solatium Fund scheme.

• Inspired by NHAI’s cashless treatment pilot projects.

• Aims to create a uniform nationwide trauma care system.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced a major step towards strengthening India’s road safety and trauma care system. The government is preparing a new measure to provide free medical treatment for all road accident victims for up to seven days after hospitalization.

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Free Medical Treatment for Accident Victims

Under the proposed initiative, any road accident victim admitted to a hospital will be eligible for free treatment for up to seven days. This move is aimed at saving lives during the crucial “golden hour” and reducing preventable fatalities caused by delays in medical attention.

The proposal builds on existing provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act and schemes like the Solatium Fund, while also taking inspiration from earlier NHAI pilot projects that offered cashless treatment along National Highways.

India’s Road Accident Crisis

India reports over 4.6 lakh road accidents every year, resulting in 1.6 lakh deaths and more than 4 lakh injuries. Two-wheelers are involved in most fatalities, followed by pedestrians and cyclists. On average, 18 people die every hour due to road crashes.

Despite stricter traffic laws under the amended Motor Vehicles Act, experts believe that the absence of quick medical help remains one of the biggest reasons for preventable deaths. This new initiative is expected to bridge that gap.

Announcement at SIAM Annual Convention

Gadkari made the announcement during the 65th Annual Convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), held at Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi. The event was attended by government officials, policymakers, auto industry leaders, and global experts, who discussed India’s mobility future and the global shift toward sustainable transportation.

Road Safety Outlook

This measure is being seen as a significant step in creating a nationwide, uniform post-accident care framework. If implemented effectively, it could save thousands of lives each year and bring much-needed relief to victims and their families.
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CMV360 Says

The government’s plan for free medical treatment for accident victims is a bold move toward improving road safety and trauma care. By ensuring timely treatment during the critical first week, India could significantly reduce fatalities and make its roads safer for everyone.