Mumbai: In a significant move to strengthen emergency healthcare services, the Maharashtra government has announced a cashless treatment scheme of up to Rs 1 lakh for individuals injured in road accidents. The initiative aims to provide immediate and hassle-free medical aid to victims and reduce the financial strain on families during emergencies.
The scheme will be applicable not only in hospitals officially registered under the programme but also in other emergency medical centres, allowing faster and more accessible treatment. Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar emphasized the importance of swift medical attention during a recent review meeting and directed officials to ensure that all accident victims receive free treatment within the prescribed limit.
“It’s important that those injured in accidents receive immediate and cashless medical care up to Rs 1 lakh,” Abitkar said. He also warned of strict action against anyone found violating the rules of the scheme.
The state plans to expand the number of hospitals under the scheme from 1,792 to 4,180 to ensure wider coverage. District-level committees, led by collectors, will oversee the implementation of the scheme to maintain transparency and accountability.
A study committee has also been set up to recommend enhancements, including increasing the range of procedures covered, updating treatment rates, and considering the inclusion of high-cost treatments such as organ transplants. The committee has been directed to submit its report within a month.
To improve accessibility and transparency, a dedicated mobile application will soon be launched. This app will provide real-time information on participating hospitals, bed availability, and a platform for lodging complaints.
Hospitals enrolled in the scheme will be required to organize monthly health camps and provide free treatment to at least five patients. These camps should involve local elected representatives and be announced publicly in advance to increase community awareness.
To accelerate the distribution of Ayushman Bharat cards, the government will involve ASHA workers, Anganwadi staff, ration shopkeepers, and citizen service centres. Their honorariums will be increased as part of this effort.
The minister also shared that around Rs 1,300 crore has been disbursed to hospitals since March to support the scheme. “This programme must be run with complete transparency. Any misuse or dishonest practices will not be tolerated,” Abitkar added.