The Supreme Court has directed all states and Union Territories to implement a uniform trauma care policy across the country within three months, calling trauma care an integral part of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and AS Chandurkar ordered states and UTs to adopt the common emergency helpline number ‘112’, integrate police, ambulance, fire and emergency services, and establish a standard medical rescue protocol for trauma victims.
The directions came while hearing a PIL filed by SaveLife Foundation, which highlighted alarming NCRB data showing that out of 4.67 lakh accidental or traumatic deaths recorded in 2024, nearly 1.77 lakh were due to road accidents.
The court observed that immediate medical attention can prevent nearly 50% of road accident deaths and stressed the need for a “uniform and robust” trauma care system across India.
To improve emergency response, the court ordered mandatory GPS and Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTD) in all public and private ambulances, integrated with helpline 112 for real-time tracking.
The bench also directed nationwide implementation of emergency medical training programmes, trauma registries, and hospital grading systems to ensure patients receive timely treatment from trained professionals.
Attorney General R Venkataramani informed the court about central schemes such as PM-RAHAT for cashless treatment of road accident victims. The court granted eight weeks for full implementation of the scheme across the country.
The matter will next be heard after four months, when the Centre, states and UTs will submit compliance reports before the court.
The bench also directed states and UTs to publicise protections available to “Good Samaritans” under Section 134A of the Motor Vehicles Act and create grievance redressal systems at state and district levels within three months to encourage bystanders to help accident victims without fear of police harassment or legal trouble.
Highlighting the importance of quick response, the court said every minute without medical intervention reduces survival chances. It noted that accident victims often rely entirely on bystanders for immediate help during emergencies.
The Centre has been directed to issue a nationwide medical rescue protocol for trauma cases within three months, while all states and UTs must operationalise it within the following three months.