In its first major decision after shifting to Seva Teerth, the Prime Minister has approved the launch of the PM RAHAT Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment Scheme, aimed at providing cashless and time-bound medical care to road accident victims across the country.
The decision reflects a governance approach centred on service, compassion and protection for vulnerable citizens. It underscores the Government’s commitment to ensuring that no life is lost due to lack of immediate medical assistance following a road accident.
India records a significant number of road accident fatalities every year, many of which are preventable with timely intervention. Studies indicate that nearly 50 per cent of road accident deaths can be averted if victims are admitted to hospital within the first hour, often referred to as the Golden Hour. The PM RAHAT scheme is designed to prioritise life-saving intervention, financial certainty for hospitals and a structured emergency response mechanism.
Under the scheme, every eligible road accident victim on any category of road will be entitled to cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim for a period of seven days from the date of accident. In non-life-threatening cases, stabilisation treatment will be provided for up to 24 hours. In life-threatening cases, stabilisation may extend up to 48 hours, subject to police authentication through an integrated digital system.
The scheme has been integrated with the Emergency Response Support System helpline 112 to ensure that accident victims reach designated hospitals within the Golden Hour. Road accident victims, Rah Veer Good Samaritans or any person present at the accident site can dial 112 to obtain details of the nearest designated hospital and request ambulance assistance. This enables swift coordination among emergency responders, police authorities and hospitals.
PM RAHAT will be implemented through a technology-driven framework combining the Electronic Detailed Accident Report platform of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways with the Transaction Management System 2.0 of the National Health Authority. This digital integration provides seamless linkage from accident reporting and hospital admission to police authentication, treatment administration, claim processing and final payment.
Police confirmation is required within defined timelines of 24 hours for non-life-threatening cases and 48 hours for life-threatening cases. This mechanism is intended to ensure accountability while allowing uninterrupted emergency care.
Reimbursements to hospitals will be made through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund. In cases where the offending vehicle is insured, payments will be drawn from contributions made by General Insurance Companies. In uninsured and hit and run cases, payments will be made through budgetary allocations by the Government of India.
Claims approved by the State Health Agency will be settled within 10 days, providing financial certainty to hospitals and encouraging prompt and uninterrupted treatment of victims.
Grievances of road accident victims will be addressed by a Grievance Redressal Officer nominated by the District Road Safety Committee, which is chaired by the District Collector, District Magistrate or Deputy Commissioner. This ensures accountability and oversight at the district level.
The approval and launch of PM RAHAT from Seva Teerth symbolises a citizen-first approach to governance, where policy translates into timely action and compassionate response. By guaranteeing that no accident victim is denied life-saving treatment due to financial constraints, the scheme marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s emergency care ecosystem and reducing preventable fatalities on the roads.
