Is it Legal for a Hospital to Refuse "Cashless" Treatment to Road Accident Victims?

Under the PM-RAHAT Scheme and S. 162 of the Motor Vehicles Act, it is illegal for hospitals to refuse "cashless" stabilization to road accident victims. The law mandates immediate care during the "Golden Hour" regardless of a victim's ability to pay.

Licensed establishments must provide up to ₹1.5 lakh in cashless treatment for seven days, ensuring medical aid precedes financial formalities.

This statutory duty, rooted in the Right to Health (Article 21), means stabilization is non-negotiable. Demanding upfront deposits violates these 2026 guidelines, as costs are reimbursed via the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund to prevent life-threatening administrative delays.

Furthermore, under S. 200 of the BNS, refusing emergency treatment is a criminal offence. Hospital heads can face up to one year in prison or heavy fines for "non-treatment of victims."