PM-RAHAT Scheme

News: The Union Government launched the PM-RAHAT scheme to provide cashless hospital treatment up to Rs.1.5 lakh for road accident victims.

About the PM RAHAT Scheme

• PM-RAHAT is a national cashless emergency treatment scheme that provides hospitalisation coverage up to Rs. 1.5 lakh for road accident victims.
• Launched by: The scheme was launched by the Prime Minister on February 13, 2026.
• Notified under: The scheme is notified under Section 162 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
• Initiative By: The scheme is an initiative of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
• Aim: The scheme aims to ensure that no life is lost due to lack of immediate medical assistance after road accidents.

Implementation and Governance

• Execution: Implemented nationally by the National Health Authority (NHA) in coordination with State Health Agencies (SHAs).
• Oversight: Implementation is monitored by District Road Safety Committees, State Road Safety Councils, and an inter-ministerial steering committee at the national level.

Key Features

• Coverage: Road accident victims receive cashless treatment up to Rs. 1.5 lakh per victim.
• Duration: Coverage is provided for up to seven days from the date of accident.
• Applicability: The scheme applies to accidents involving motor vehicles on any category of road. 
  • Focused on golden hour: It focuses on timely treatment during the “golden hour,” when early medical care can prevent many road accident deaths.
• Emergency Care: Stabilisation treatment is available for 24 hours in non-life-threatening cases and 48 hours in life-threatening cases.
• Digital Integration: The system integrates eDAR (Electronic Detailed Accident Report) accident reporting with TMS 2.0 (Transaction Management System) hospital treatment and claims records, creating an end-to-end digital trail.
• Funding: Payments to hospitals are made through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, financed by general insurance contributions and government budgetary support for uninsured or hit-and-run cases.
• Grievance Redressal: A multi-tier grievance mechanism operates through district committees, escalation to the District Collector and State Road Safety Council, and national-level oversight.