In its first major decision after shifting operations to Seva Teerth, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the launch of the PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) Scheme, reinforcing the government’s focus on governance rooted in seva and timely protection for vulnerable citizens. The move aims to ensure that no road accident victim loses their life due to the absence of immediate medical care.
India continues to record a high number of preventable road accident fatalities, with studies showing that nearly half of such deaths can be avoided if victims receive treatment within the “golden hour.” By giving the green signal to PM RAHAT, the Prime Minister has placed life-saving intervention and rapid emergency response at the centre of policy action.
The scheme is integrated with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112 helpline, enabling accident victims, Good Samaritans or bystanders to access details of the nearest designated hospital and request ambulance assistance. This coordination brings together emergency responders, police and hospitals to ensure faster transportation to medical facilities.
Under PM RAHAT, all eligible road accident victims—on any category of road—will receive cashless treatment of up to Rs 1.5 lakh per person for seven days from the date of the accident. Hospitals will provide stabilisation treatment for up to 24 hours in non-life-threatening cases and 48 hours in life-threatening situations, subject to police authentication on an integrated digital platform.
The scheme is being operationalised through a technology-driven system that connects the Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways with the National Health Authority’s Transaction Management System (TMS 2.0). The digital linkage enables real-time tracking from accident reporting to hospital admission, police verification, treatment, claim approval and final reimbursement. Police must authenticate cases within 24 hours for non-critical injuries and within 48 hours for life-threatening ones to ensure both accountability and uninterrupted emergency care.
Reimbursements will be made from the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund. For insured vehicles, the cost will be met through contributions by general insurance companies, while for uninsured and hit-and-run cases, payment will come from the Government of India. Approved claims will reach hospitals within 10 days through the State Health Agency, ensuring financial predictability and encouraging hospitals to provide continuous treatment.
A district-level Grievance Redressal Officer, appointed by the District Road Safety Committee headed by the District Collector, will handle complaints from victims or their families.
The launch of PM RAHAT from Seva Teerth signals a citizen-first approach, combining compassion with swift administrative action. By guaranteeing life-saving treatment without financial barriers, the scheme marks a significant step toward reducing road accident deaths and strengthening India’s emergency healthcare ecosystem.
