Supreme Court Mandates Comprehensive Trauma Care System Nationwide, SC Issues Directives for Integration of Emergency Services and Good Samaritan Protections Across India
In a landmark decision aimed at enhancing road safety and emergency medical response, the Supreme Court of India has issued a series of directives to the Union and State Governments to establish a comprehensive trauma care system across the country. This directive comes in response to a writ petition filed by Savelife Foundation and another petitioner, highlighting the urgent need for a robust mechanism to provide timely trauma care, which is integral to the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The judgment, delivered by Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Atul S. Chandurkar, emphasizes the integration of all emergency helpline numbers into the single emergency number 112, and mandates mass-media campaigns to raise public awareness. The Court has also directed the establishment of grievance redressal systems for Good Samaritans, ensuring that they can report non-compliance with legal protections without fear of legal repercussions.
Additionally, the Court has called for the full compliance of registered ambulances with the National Ambulance Code, including GPS fitment for real-time tracking. States and Union Territories are required to adopt the PM RAHAT Scheme, providing cashless treatment for road accident victims, within a specified timeframe.
The Supreme Court's directives aim to unify emergency medical response systems and enhance the protection of Good Samaritans, thereby potentially reducing preventable deaths from road accidents. The Court has scheduled a follow-up hearing in four months to assess compliance and issue further directions.
Bottom Line:
Road safety and trauma care - Directions issued to Union and States/UTs for integration of emergency helplines, establishment of Good Samaritan grievance systems, implementation of trauma care protocols, compliance with ambulance standards, and operationalization of PM RAHAT cashless treatment scheme.
Statutory provision(s): Article 21 of the Constitution of India, Section 134A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, PM RAHAT Scheme (Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025), National Ambulance Code (AIS-125)
Savelife Foundation v. Union of India, (SC) : Law Finder Doc id # 2907598
