Kamal Ghorui
The government has launched the PM RAHAT scheme, aimed at offering cashless treatment for road accident victims. India sees a high number of road fatalities every year. Nearly 50 percent of these deaths can be prevented if victims receive medical care within the first hour, often referred to as the Golden Hour. The new PM RAHAT, short for Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment, is designed to address this critical gap by ensuring quick hospital access and financial support.
PM RAHAT scheme for road accident victims: Key details
Under the scheme, every eligible road accident victim on any category of road will be entitled to cashless treatment of up to Rs 1.5 lakh. The cover will be available for seven days from the date of the accident. In non life threatening cases, stabilization treatment will be provided for up to 24 hours. In life threatening situations, this window extends to 48 hours. Police authentication through an integrated digital system is required within 24 hours for non life threatening cases and 48 hours for life threatening cases.
PM RAHAT scheme: How to avail
To make the process faster, the scheme is linked with the Emergency Response Support System 112 helpline. Accident victims, Good Samaritans referred to as Rah Veer, or anyone present at the accident site can dial 112 to locate the nearest designated hospital and request ambulance support. Hospitals will be reimbursed through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund. If the offending vehicle is insured, payments will come from contributions made by general insurance companies. In uninsured or hit and run cases, the cost will be covered through budgetary allocation by the Government of India. Once approved by the State Health Agency, claims will be settled within 10 days, giving hospitals financial clarity.For complaints or disputes, a Grievance Redressal Officer nominated by the District Road Safety Committee will handle cases at the district level. The committee is chaired by the District Collector, District Magistrate or Deputy Commissioner.
