Why in news?
The Union Cabinet recently approved the PM RAHAT scheme to provide immediate, cashless treatment for victims of road accidents across India. The scheme aims to ensure that injured persons receive lifesaving care during the critical “golden hour” without worrying about hospital bills. It will be implemented nationally in collaboration with state governments and hospitals.
Background
India records one of the world’s highest numbers of road fatalities. Many deaths occur because victims are unable to afford urgent care or are denied treatment pending payment. To address this, the government has launched the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Aapada Haith Yojana for Accident Treatment (PM RAHAT). It is a centrally sponsored initiative funded through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund and integrated with digital platforms such as the Emergency Accident Response System (e‑DAR) and the Traffic Accident Management System (TMS 2.0).
Key features
- Cashless coverage: Any road accident victim will receive hospital treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for seven days after the accident, regardless of insurance or nationality.
- Single emergency number: The scheme is integrated with the national helpline 112. When an accident is reported, emergency services dispatch an ambulance, while the digital system assigns a unique ID to the case.
- Golden hour focus: Victims are stabilised and shifted to the nearest hospital within the first hour, improving survival chances.
- Digital processes: Hospitals upload records through e‑DAR; claims are processed electronically via TMS 2.0, and reimbursement is made directly to hospitals from the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund.
- Coverage of uninsured cases: The scheme extends assistance to uninsured vehicles and hit‑and‑run victims, ensuring that no patient is denied emergency care.
- Collaboration with states: States will empanel public and private hospitals and ensure that victims are transported swiftly by ambulance networks.
Significance
- Saving lives: By removing financial barriers during the golden hour, PM RAHAT is expected to reduce mortality from road accidents.
- Encouraging bystanders: Cashless treatment reduces the fear of legal or financial consequences, encouraging more people to help accident victims.
- Digital transparency: The use of unique case IDs and digital claims helps curb fraud and improves accountability.
Source: Press Information Bureau
