Initiatives/ Scheme Tamil Nadu’s Initiatives Regarding Road Accidents Context: It is a matter of concern that Tamil Nadu continues to be the state with the highest number of road accidents in India. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 4.95 lakh road accidents occurred in India in 2024. Tamil Nadu Accident and Emergency Care Initiative (TAEI) The Tamil Nadu Accident and Emergency Care Initiative (TAEI) is a comprehensive trauma care program launched by the Government of Tamil Nadu in June 2017. TAEI was established under the Health Department to facilitate coordinated action among various stakeholders and to prevent loss of life. Objective: To standardize, streamline, and strengthen accident and emergency care services particularly along highways with the aim of reducing fatalities. Key Pillars: TAEI encompasses the following six domains: Trauma (Road Traffic Accidents), Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attacks), Stroke, Burns, Poisoning, and Pediatric Emergency Care (PREM). Innuir Kappom – Nammai Kaakkum 48 Scheme Provides free emergency medical treatment to victims of road accidents within the first 48 hours of the incident. This scheme covers 101 specific medical treatments, valued up to ₹2.00 lakhs, across more than 723 empanelled hospitals. Ensures immediate and cashless treatment to save lives during the 'Golden Hour.' Key Details of the Scheme Anyone involved in a road accident within Tamil Nadu (including state residents, non-residents, and foreign nationals). As outlined in the Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project document, 101 medical treatments—including accident-related trauma care—are provided up to a value of ₹2 lakhs for the first 48 hours. No upfront payment is required for emergency medical services. No insurance card or prior authorization is required; all accident victims are eligible to receive treatment under this scheme. As of January 2026, it has been reported that over 5 lakh individuals across various hospitals have benefited from…
