Prime Minister recently approved launch of the PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) Scheme to ensure road accident victims receive immediate life-saving treatment during the critical “Golden Hour” without upfront payment.
Background
- India records a significant number of road accident fatalities every year, many of which are preventable with timely medical intervention.
- Studies indicate that nearly 50% of road accident deaths can be averted if victims are admitted to hospital within the first hour.
PM RAHAT – Key Features
| Aspect | Details |
| Objective | Provide assured, cashless, time-bound medical treatment to road accident victims; ensure life-saving intervention and financial certainty for hospitals; create a technology-driven emergency response ecosystem |
| Eligibility | Universal – covers every eligible road accident victim on any category of road |
| Coverage Limit | Cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim |
| Coverage Period | Up to 7 days from the date of accident |
| Stabilisation Treatment | Up to 24 hours (non-life-threatening cases); up to 48 hours (life-threatening cases), subject to police authentication |
Funding & Reimbursement Mechanism
| Case Type | Source of Payment |
| Insured Offending Vehicle | Contributions from General Insurance Companies (via MVAF) |
| Uninsured / Hit & Run Cases | Budgetary allocation by Government of India |
| Reimbursement Channel | Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF) |
| Claim Settlement Timeline | Approved claims paid within 10 days by State Health Agency |
Technology Backbone
| Component | Function |
| eDAR Platform (MoRTH) | Electronic Detailed Accident Report |
| TMS 2.0 (National Health Authority) | Transaction Management System for digital claim processing |
| Integration Outcome | Seamless linkage from accident reporting → hospital admission → police authentication → treatment → claim processing → payment |
Accountability & Grievance Mechanism
| Aspect | Details |
| Police Confirmation | Required within 24 hours (non-life-threatening) / 48 hours (life-threatening) |
| Grievance Redressal | Handled by Grievance Redressal Officer nominated by District Road Safety Committee (chaired by District Collector/DM/DC) |
Emergency Integration
| System | Purpose |
| ERSS 112 Helpline | Victims, Good Samaritans (Rah-Veer), or bystanders can dial 112 to locate nearest designated hospital and request ambulance support |
| Golden Hour Focus | Ensures accident victims reach hospitals within the critical Golden Hour |