The Karnataka government has mandated that all medical establishments and practitioners provide immediate emergency treatment to accident victims without demanding advance payment, reinforcing the state’s commitment to saving lives. Issued on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, the circular underscores the legal and moral obligations of hospitals under existing laws and schemes, aiming to ensure timely medical care for those in critical need.
The directive, rooted in the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act, 2007, clarifies that the term "accident victim" encompasses not only road accident cases but also incidents involving burns, poisoning, criminal assaults, and other medico-legal emergencies. “Whenever such an accident victim is brought to a medical establishment, they must be treated without insisting on advance payment,” the circular states. Non-compliance could result in hefty penalties of up to Rs 1 lakh under Section 19(5) of the Act.
Further emphasizing the urgency of emergency care, the circular references the Karnataka Good Samaritan and Medical Professional Act, 2016, which mandates hospitals to provide free medical screening and first-aid to stabilize accident victims. Hospitals lacking advanced facilities are required to stabilize patients before transferring them, ensuring complete medical records accompany the patient. The state also highlighted the Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025, which entitles victims to cashless treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh for seven days post-accident in designated hospitals, with reimbursements facilitated through the Motor Vehicles Accident Fund.
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The circular also invokes Section 187 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, warning that failure to provide immediate care could lead to imprisonment of up to three months or fines up to Rs 500 for first offenses, and up to six months or Rs 1,000 for repeat violations. Additionally, Karnataka’s state-level scheme ensures cashless treatment for up to 48 hours, covering 76 lifesaving services in government hospitals, medical colleges, and hospitals empanelled under the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST).
The Karnataka State Road Safety Council will act as the nodal agency to oversee the implementation of these provisions, ensuring seamless access to healthcare for accident victims. The circular sternly reminds all registered medical practitioners and establishments to provide first-aid and stabilize patients without delay, with strict penalties for non-compliance. This move has been hailed as a significant step toward prioritizing human lives over financial considerations, particularly in emergencies, and is expected to set a precedent for other states to follow. As Karnataka strengthens its healthcare response for accident victims, the directive serves as a powerful reminder of the state’s commitment to public welfare and road safety.
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