SC Orders Cashless Medical Aid for such Patients, Centre Given Fixed Deadline

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Supreme Court on Wednesday instructed the Central Government to implement cashless medical treatment for motor accident victims during the "golden hour," the critical first 60 minutes following a severe injury when medical intervention is most effective. The court emphasized that several lives could have been saved had timely treatment been provided during this crucial period.

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih highlighted the statutory obligation under Section 162 of the Motor Vehicles Act, which mandates the Central Government to arrange for cashless treatment during the golden hour.

"The government has had sufficient time to prepare the plan under sub-section (2) of Section 162. Implementing the scheme will save numerous lives as some accident victims succumb to their injuries due to the lack of timely treatment," the court noted in its order.

The Supreme Court directed the Centre to notify the scheme for cashless treatment by March 14, warning that no further extensions would be granted.

The bench also addressed concerns over hospitals delaying treatment either due to awaiting police intervention or worries about high treatment costs. It underscored that sub-section (1) of Section 162 requires general insurance companies to cover the cost of treatment for road accident victims under the scheme framed by the Motor Vehicles Act, particularly during the golden hour.

The court emphasized that a well-implemented plan could save many lives and alleviate concerns about treatment delays and costs for accident victims.