PM RAHAT: Who Is Eligible And How The Cashless Road Accident Scheme Works?

The government has rolled out PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment), a nationwide scheme designed to provide cashless medical care to road accident victims and ensure that financial constraints do not delay life-saving treatment.

The initiative aims to strengthen India’s emergency response system by guaranteeing immediate medical support during the critical “Golden Hour” — the first hour after an accident, when timely intervention can significantly improve survival chances.

What the Scheme Offers

Under PM RAHAT, every eligible road accident victim will be entitled to cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh for a period of seven days from the date of the accident, regardless of the category of road on which the incident occurred.

In non-life-threatening

cases, stabilisation treatment will be provided for up to 24 hours. In life-threatening cases, it can extend up to 48 hours, subject to verification through an integrated digital system.

Linked to 112 Emergency Helpline

The scheme is integrated with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112. Accident victims, Good Samaritans (Rah-Veer), or anyone present at the scene can dial 112 to receive information about the nearest designated hospital and request ambulance assistance.

This linkage is expected to improve coordination between emergency responders, police authorities and hospitals, helping victims reach medical facilities more quickly.

How Payments Will Be Made

Hospitals will be reimbursed through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF).

If the offending vehicle is insured, the payment will come from contributions made by general insurance companies. In cases involving uninsured vehicles or hit-and-run incidents, the government will cover the costs through budgetary allocations.

Approved claims will be settled within 10 days by the State Health Agency, providing financial assurance to hospitals and encouraging uninterrupted treatment.

Technology-Driven Monitoring

The scheme operates on a digital platform that integrates the Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) system of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways with the National Health Authority’s Transaction Management System (TMS 2.0).

This ensures seamless digital tracking from accident reporting and police authentication to treatment delivery, claim processing and payment.

Grievance Redressal Mechanism

Each district will have a designated Grievance Redressal Officer, nominated by the District Road Safety Committee, which is chaired by the District Collector or an equivalent authority, to address complaints and ensure accountability.

Why It Matters

India records a significant number of road accident deaths every year, many of which could be prevented with timely medical intervention. Studies indicate that nearly half of such fatalities can be avoided if victims receive hospital care within the Golden Hour.

By removing upfront payment barriers and ensuring faster emergency coordination, PM RAHAT seeks to reduce preventable deaths and strengthen the country’s emergency healthcare ecosystem.

In essence, the scheme ensures that accident victims receive immediate treatment without worrying about costs, a step aimed at saving lives and improving road safety outcomes nationwide.