Why in News
The Government of India recently launched the PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) Scheme to strengthen emergency medical response for road accident victims.
About the Scheme
PM RAHAT is a structured emergency healthcare support mechanism aimed at ensuring immediate, cashless treatment to road accident victims across India.
It focuses on:
- Life-saving intervention within the golden hour
- Financial certainty for hospitals
- A digitised, accountable reimbursement framework
Key Features
Integration with ERSS 112
- Linked with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112
- Victims or Good Samaritans can dial 112
- Nearest designated hospital and ambulance assistance are facilitated
Cashless Treatment
- Every eligible road accident victim is entitled to cashless treatment
- Coverage up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim
- Applicable on any category of road
Digital Integration
- Amalgamation of the Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) platform of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
- Integrated with the Transaction Management System (TMS 2.0) of the National Health Authority
- Enables real-time tracking, verification and claim settlement
Reimbursement Mechanism
Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF)
- Hospitals are reimbursed through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund
Insured Vehicle Cases
- Payment drawn from contributions made by General Insurance Companies
Uninsured and Hit & Run Cases
- Payment made through budgetary allocation by the Government of India
Grievance Redressal
- Grievances handled by a Grievance Redressal Officer
- Officer nominated by the District Road Safety Committee
- Committee chaired by the District Collector or District Magistrate
Significance
- Institutionalises golden-hour trauma care
- Encourages Good Samaritan intervention
- Reduces financial hesitation of hospitals in emergency admission
- Strengthens road safety governance framework
