PM RAHAT

Why in News?

Recently, the Government launched the Pradhan Mantri Rahat Road Accident Victim Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment (PM Rahat) Scheme.

• It is a national cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims to ensure immediate medical care during the Golden Hour.
• Aim – To prevent deaths due to delayed medical treatment after road accidents and ensure financial protection for victims and hospitals.
• Launched in – 2026.
• Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
• Implemented by – Through the integrated,
• Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) platform of the Ministry of Road Transport
• Highways with the Transaction Management System (TMS 2.0) of the National Health Authority.
• Components – Emergency Response – Integration with Emergency Response Support System (112 helpline) for hospital and ambulance coordination.
• Digital Processing – Digital accident reporting, police authentication, and claim processing through eDAR and TMS 2.0.
• Funding Mechanism – Reimbursement through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund.
• Insurance-Based Payment – Payments from General Insurance Companies in insured vehicle cases.
• Government Funding – Budgetary allocation for uninsured and hit-and-run cases.
• Fast Claim Settlement – Approved claims are paid within 10 days to ensure uninterrupted hospital treatment.
• Grievance Redressal – Complaints of road accident victims handled by a Grievance Redressal Officer (GRO).
  • GRO nominated by the District Road Safety Committee, chaired by the District Collector/District Magistrate/Deputy Commissioner.
• Coverage – Road accident victims in any category. within 7 days of the accident (police authentication required).
• Target – Cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim for 7 days.
• Stabilisation treatment –
  • Up to 24 hours for non-life-threatening cases.
  • Up to 48 hours for life-threatening cases.
• Significance – Ensures life-saving treatment during the Golden Hour.
  • Nearly 50% of road accident deaths can be averted if victims are admitted to the hospital within the first hour.
• Reduces preventable road accident deaths.
• Strengthens India’s emergency healthcare and road safety ecosystem.
• Promotes citizen-centric governance and financial protection.

Reference

PIB | PM RAHAT