Government Launches PM RAHAT Scheme to Provide Cashless Treatment for Road Accident Victims

New Delhi: The Union government has approved the rollout of the PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) Scheme, a new initiative designed to ensure that road accident victims receive timely and cashless medical treatment. The scheme seeks to prevent loss of life caused by delays or lack of access to emergency healthcare following accidents. Under the scheme, every eligible road accident victim, irrespective of the category of road, will be entitled to cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh per person. The benefit will cover medical care for a period of seven days from the date of the accident, providing crucial financial support during the critical treatment window.

The scheme also specifies immediate stabilization care based on the severity of injuries. In non-life-threatening cases, treatment may be provided for up to 24 hours, while life-threatening conditions may qualify for stabilization support of up to 48 hours. These provisions are subject to police verification through an integrated digital platform to maintain transparency and accountability.

PM RAHAT will operate through a technology-enabled framework that links accident reporting, hospital admission, police authentication, treatment, and claim settlement. The system integrates the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) platform with the National Health Authority’s Transaction Management System (TMS 2.0), allowing seamless coordination among stakeholders. Authorities emphasized that police confirmation must occur within defined timelines — 24 hours for non-life-threatening injuries and 48 hours for life-threatening cases — ensuring that emergency care is not interrupted while verification processes are completed.

The scheme is further connected with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112 helpline, enabling victims, Good Samaritans (Rah-Veer), or bystanders to quickly locate the nearest designated hospital and request ambulance services. This integration is intended to improve “Golden Hour” response, a period widely considered crucial for saving lives after serious accidents.

Funding for hospital reimbursements will be routed through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF). In cases involving insured vehicles, payments will draw from contributions made by general insurance companies. For uninsured or hit-and-run incidents, expenses will be covered through government budgetary allocations. Claims cleared by State Health Agencies are expected to be settled within ten days.

To address concerns and disputes, the government has established a district-level grievance mechanism.

Complaints from victims will be handled by Grievance Redressal Officers appointed by District Road Safety Committees, which are chaired by the District Collector or District Magistrate. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways highlighted the urgency of the initiative, noting that India continues to record a high number of road accident fatalities annually. Studies suggest that nearly half of such deaths could be prevented if victims receive hospital care within the first hour of injury.

Officials expressed confidence that the PM RAHAT Scheme will significantly strengthen India’s emergency medical response system and reduce preventable deaths by ensuring swift, cashless, and coordinated treatment for accident victims.