PM-RAHAT (Prime Minister–Road Accident Victims’ Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment) Scheme

Why in News?

The Kerala government will soon implement the Union government’s PM-RAHAT (Prime Minister–Road Accident Victims’ Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment) scheme.

• PM RAHAT is a structured emergency response scheme designed to provide immediate, cashless medical care to road accident victims.

• It focuses heavily on utilizing the Golden Hour (the first hour after trauma when prompt medical care has the highest likelihood of preventing death).
• Target Beneficiary - Any road accident victim on any category of road in India.
• Financial Cap- Cashless treatment up to Rs.1.5 lakh per victim.
• Time Limitation- Covered for a maximum period of 7 days from the date of the accident.
• Stabilization Windows
  • Up to 24 hours for non-life-threatening cases.
  • Up to 48 hours for life-threatening cases.
• Implementation - The scheme is implemented through two separate ministerial platforms - Ministry of Road Transport and Highways & National Health Authority.
  • eDAR Platform: Electronic Detailed Accident Report under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
  • TMS 2.0: Transaction Management System under the National Health Authority (NHA).
• Emergency Helpline Integration - Integrated with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112 helplines.
• Victims, Good Samaritans (Rah-Veer), or bystanders can dial 112 to locate the nearest designated hospital and request ambulance assistance.
• Funding Mechanism - Hospitals are reimbursed through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF) via a tiered funding model based on the nature of the accident.

• Financial Settlement Timeline - Claims approved by the State Health Agency (SHA) must be paid to the hospitals within 10 days to ensure financial certainty.
• Police Authentication - Treatment and stabilization are subject to mandatory police confirmation on an integrated digital system within strict timelines.
• Grievance Redressal - Addressed at the district level by a nominated Grievance Redressal Officer under the District Road Safety Committee.
  • Chaired by - The District Collector / District Magistrate / Deputy Commissioner.

Reference

The Hindu | PM-RAHAT scheme