PM RAHAT

NEWS: The Government launched the Pradhan Mantri Rahat Road Accident Victim Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment (PM Rahat) Scheme

ABOUT

• National cashless treatment scheme for road accident victimsàensures immediate medical care during the Golden Hour.
• Launched in – 2026.
• Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
• Aim – To prevent deaths due to delayed medical treatment after road accidents and ensure financial protection for victims and hospitals.
• Implementationà Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) platform of the Ministry of Road Transport Highways+ Transaction Management System (TMS 2.0) of the National Health Authority.

Components

• Digital accident reporting, police authentication, and claim processing through eDAR and TMS 2.0.
• Reimbursement through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund.
• Payments from General Insurance Companies in insured vehicle cases.
• Budgetary allocation for uninsured and hit-and-run cases.
• Approved claims are paid within 10 days to ensure uninterrupted hospital treatment.
• Components – Emergency Response – Integration with Emergency Response Support System (112 helpline) for hospital and ambulance coordination.
• 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).
• Cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim for 7 days.

Significance

• Ensures life-saving treatment during the Golden Hour.
• Reduces preventable road accident deaths.
• Nearly 50% of road accident deaths can be averted if victims are admitted to the hospital within the first hour.
• Strengthens India’s emergency healthcare and road safety ecosystem.
• Promotes citizen-centric governance and financial protection