The Government of India has launched the PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment) Scheme to provide cashless medical treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh for eligible road accident victims. Approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the initiative aims to ensure that no accident victim is denied timely medical care due to financial constraints.
Under the scheme, eligible victims injured in road accidents on any category of road can receive cashless treatment for up to seven days from the date of the accident. The initiative focuses on improving access to emergency trauma care during the critical “Golden Hour,” when prompt medical intervention can significantly improve survival rates. Studies indicate that nearly half of road accident fatalities can be prevented with timely hospitalisation.
Hospitals will be reimbursed through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, ensuring uninterrupted treatment without requiring immediate payment from patients or their families. The scheme also integrates digital platforms such as the Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) and the National Health Authority’s Transaction Management System (TMS 2.0) to streamline accident reporting, hospital admission, verification and claim settlement.
The PM RAHAT Scheme reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening road safety and emergency healthcare infrastructure across the country. By removing financial barriers and enabling faster access to life-saving treatment, the initiative is expected to improve survival rates and provide timely support to thousands of road accident victims every year.
