The George Institute for Global Health welcomes the recent announcement by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari regarding the "Cashless Treatment" scheme, which will provide government coverage of up to Rs 1.5 lakh for seven days of treatment for road accident victims. This initiative marks a significant development in ongoing efforts to enhance road safety and provide timely support to those affected by accidents.
The George Institute, along with experts from Safety 2024, are pleased to see this important policy initiative being put in place. We commend Minister Gadkari and his team for taking this vital step, which aligns with the objectives discussed in papers presented at the 15th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion (Safety 2024) held in New Delhi.
Dr. Jagnoor Jagnoor, Head, Injury Program, said, "We welcome the cashless scheme, the increased coverage amount, and the provision of care for seven days. These measures will improve recovery outcomes and help break the cycle of poverty caused by catastrophic health expenditures for those injured on roads. The scheme is evidence-informed and a positive step towards reducing road traffic deaths, disability, and associated costs. However, for the scheme to be truly effective, significant attention must be given to its implementation, which will vary considerably across states, types of roads, and road users. Additionally, greater investment is urgently needed in pre-hospital emergency care to strengthen the system."
Further, Dr Jagnoor added, "The world looks to India with great hope for its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The upcoming 4th Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Morocco is a critical platform that will set the direction for the next five years."
As the initiative moves forward, The George Institute looks forward to the positive impact this scheme will have on communities and remains eager to support its implementation in any way possible.
Please find below some relevant links from The George Institute:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0224721
https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/bmjopen/5/8/e008884.full.pdf
https://www.georgeinstitute.org.in/changing-policy-and-practice
