In a recent event organized by the Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE), the Secretary of Road Transport and Highways, Anurag Jain, highlighted a crucial initiative to address the alarming number of road traffic accident deaths in India, India has the highest number of road traffic accident deaths in the world.
During the inauguration, Secretary Anurag Jain announced the upcoming nationwide implementation of cashless medical treatment for accident-injured victims. This initiative, a part of the amended Motor Vehicle Act 2019 (MVA2019), aims to provide free and prompt access to trauma care treatment for road accident victims at the nearest appropriate hospital within the critical first hour, known as the “golden hour.” The golden hour is the pivotal time frame after a road accident when immediate medical attention can significantly impact outcomes.
Anurag Jain mentioned that while few states have already implemented this provision, the Ministry of Roads, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is set to roll out the cashless medical facility across the nation within the next 3-4 months.
The initiative aligns with a Supreme Court ruling and emphasizes the importance of extending cashless treatment to road accident victims during the golden hour, as defined by the MV Amendment Act. This move aims to enhance emergency medical care accessibility and ultimately reduce the fatality rate associated with road accidents.
In addition to this groundbreaking development, the Union Ministry of Education has agreed to incorporate road safety into the school and college curriculum. This step, focused on education and awareness, is expected to play a crucial role in instilling a culture of road safety from a young age.
Secretary Anurag Jain also highlighted advancements in vehicular engineering, including measures such as seat belt reminders and the introduction of the Bharat New Car Assessment Program, further emphasizing the government’s comprehensive approach to improving road safety in the country.
