The directive covers not only road traffic accidents but also cases involving accidental or induced burns, poisoning, criminal assaults, and other medico-legal or potentially medico-legal situations.
Published Sep 05, 2025 | 5:41 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 05, 2025 | 5:41 PM
Accident. Representational Image. (iStock)
In a major decision aimed at ensuring timely medical care for accident victims, the Karnataka government has mandated that all hospitals must provide immediate treatment without demanding advance payment. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced the move warning that any hospital refusing treatment would face strict legal action.
“We have mandated all hospitals to treat accident victims without asking for any advance payment. No hospital can refuse treatment, and those that do will be violating the law and action will be taken,” he said.
The directive covers not only road traffic accidents but also cases involving accidental or induced burns, poisoning, criminal assaults, and other medico-legal or potentially medico-legal situations.
As per the revised scheme, accident victims can receive cashless treatment for up to seven days, with the government covering expenses of up to ₹1.5 lakh per patient. In Friday’s Cabinet meeting, an additional top-up of ₹1 lakh was approved for cases requiring extended care.
The circular issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department reiterates the obligations of hospitals under multiple laws, including the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act, 2007, the Karnataka Good Samaritan and Medical Professional Act, 2016, and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It emphasises that any delay or denial of first aid or stabilization will be treated as a punishable offence, including potential fines, license revocation, and criminal proceedings in severe cases.
The government’s move also integrates the scheme with the State Accident Trauma Scheme (SAST), ensuring that 76 life-saving services are available to victims within the crucial first 48 hours across government hospitals, medical colleges, and empanelled private hospitals.
Officials have been directed to take immediate steps to facilitate access to these services and ensure that hospitals comply fully. The initiative is expected to reduce preventable deaths and disabilities by ensuring that financial barriers do not delay life-saving care in the aftermath of accidents.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Chetana Belagere)
