Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has reiterated the legal obligation of all medical establishments and practitioners in the state to provide emergency treatment to accident victims without delay or demand for advance payment.
A circular issued on Wednesday emphasised that the directive applies not only to road mishap cases but also to other emergencies such as burns, poisoning, and criminal assaults, which are classified as medico-legal or potential medico-legal cases.
Treatment cannot be denied
The notification clarified that under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Act, 2007, medical establishments are bound to treat accident victims in emergencies without insisting on any advance payment. Failure to comply could invite penalties up to Rs 1 lakh under Section 19(5) of the Act.
Reinforcing the provision of the Karnataka Good Samaritan and Medical Professional Act, 2016, the government reminded that all hospitals must provide immediate medical screening services and first aid free of cost, followed by appropriate treatment. Hospitals lacking facilities are required to stabilise the patient before transfer, ensuring that full medical records accompany the case.
Penalties under Motor Vehicles Act
The circular also referred to Section 187 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, warning that non-compliance could result in imprisonment of up to three months or fines up to Rs 500. For repeat offences, the penalty could extend to six months of imprisonment or fines up to Rs 1,000.
Cashless treatment schemes in place
Highlighting ongoing welfare measures, the government reminded citizens of the Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025, which allows accident victims to receive cashless treatment in designated hospitals up to Rs 1.5 lakh per person for a period of seven days from the date of the accident.
The State Road Safety Council has been designated as the nodal agency for implementing this scheme, with reimbursements drawn from the Motor Vehicles Accident Fund.
Additionally, Karnataka already operates a state-level scheme providing cashless treatment for accident victims for up to 48 hours, covering 76 life-saving services at government hospitals, medical colleges, and SAST-empanelled hospitals.
Strict enforcement promised
The government has directed all registered medical practitioners and establishments to comply with these provisions. Any refusal or delay in providing treatment will attract legal and financial penalties. Authorities have been instructed to ensure that accident victims are facilitated with immediate access to emergency healthcare without procedural hurdles.