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Indian Government Launches PM RAHAT: ₹1.5 Lakh Cashless Treatment For Road Accident Victims
The Government of India has introduced a new initiative called the PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment) scheme, aimed at providing cashless medical treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh for road accident victims. The benefit can be availed within seven days of the accident, ensuring quicker access to emergency care.
PM RAHAT Road Accident Scheme
The scheme is now approved by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), which integrates accident reporting, police verification, hospital treatment, and claim settlement into a unified digital framework. Emergency medical assistance is expected to arrive more quickly and in a better-coordinated manner under the new system.
Under the PM RAHAT scheme, road accident victims will be eligible for cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh for a maximum period of seven days. For non-life-threatening injuries, a police report must be filed within 24 hours of the accident. For life-threatening cases, the reporting window extends to 48 hours.
The scheme is designed to address situations where accident victims are denied immediate medical care due to financial constraints. Emergency assistance can be requested by dialling the national emergency helpline number 112, which is integrated with the scheme to facilitate quick ambulance coordination and hospital admission.
Road Accidents in India
According to recent studies, nearly 50% of road accident deaths could be prevented if victims receive medical attention within the first hour - often referred to as the "golden hour." The integration of emergency services, police, and hospitals under this scheme aims to improve response times and increase survival rates.
Since PM RAHAT is linked with the MoRTH digital platform, the entire process - from hospital admission and police reporting to treatment, claim processing, and final reimbursement - can be tracked efficiently. Payments to hospitals are expected to be made through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund within about 10 days of the incident. For hit-and-run cases, compensation will be provided through government budgetary allocations.
India continues to record high numbers of road accidents and fatalities. The PM RAHAT scheme is expected to play a key role in ensuring timely medical care and reducing preventable deaths through improved coordination and financial support.
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