The Government of Karnataka has issued a fresh circular reiterating the provisions of law and schemes related to the treatment of accident victims in the state. The directive emphasizes that no accident victim should be denied immediate medical attention, and hospitals are required to provide first aid and emergency care without insisting on advance payment.
Provisions under Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act, 2007
According to the circular, the definition of “accident victim” covers not only road accidents but also burns, poisoning, assaults, and other medico-legal cases. Section 11(i) of the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act, 2007 mandates that medical establishments must provide emergency care without demanding advance payment. Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.
Good Samaritan and Emergency Medical Care Act, 2016
Under Section 6 of the Karnataka Good Samaritan and Medical Professional (Protection and Regulation During Emergency Situations) Act, 2016, hospitals must offer free medical screening and first aid to accident victims. Hospitals lacking facilities or qualified personnel must still stabilize patients and arrange safe transfer to appropriate medical centers, along with necessary medical records.
Provisions under Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
The circular highlights Section 187 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which mandates registered medical practitioners to provide treatment to accident victims. Failure to do so can attract imprisonment of up to three months or a fine.
Additionally, under the Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025, victims are eligible for cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for seven days in designated hospitals. Expenses will be reimbursed from the Motor Vehicles Accident Fund.
Cashless Treatment in Karnataka
The State Government has also implemented a scheme offering cashless treatment for accident victims up to 48 hours at 76 lifesaving services empanelled under the State Health Agency. All government hospitals, medical colleges, and empanelled hospitals are required to comply.
Strict Compliance Directed
The circular directs all registered medical practitioners and hospitals to provide immediate first aid and stabilize accident victims without delay or denial. Authorities responsible for enforcement have been instructed to take immediate steps to facilitate healthcare access.
The directive, signed by Padma V., Under Secretary to Government, Health and Family Welfare Department, underscores strict penalties for violations and aims to ensure that no accident victim in Karnataka is deprived of timely medical care.