PM RAHAT Scheme Launched to Enhance Emergency Response for Road Accident Victims
The government has launched the PM RAHAT scheme to improve emergency responses for road accident victims in India. This initiative aims to ensure timely medical assistance, potentially saving many lives each year.
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The government has introduced the PM RAHAT Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment Scheme to provide an emergency response for accident victims. According to the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways (MoRTH), India experiences numerous road accident fatalities annually, many of which could be prevented with timely medical care.
Studies suggest that nearly half of road accident deaths could be avoided if victims receive hospital care within the first hour. The scheme aims to address this by ensuring quick medical intervention. The Prime Minister approved the scheme after moving to Seva Teerth, highlighting a governance approach focused on service, compassion, and protection for vulnerable citizens.
Emergency Response Support System Integration
The scheme integrates with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112 helpline to ensure accident victims reach hospitals within the critical Golden Hour. Anyone at the accident scene, including Rah-Veer Good Samaritans, can call 112 for information on the nearest designated hospital and request ambulance assistance. This facilitates swift coordination between emergency responders, police, and hospitals.
Under PM RAHAT, eligible road accident victims are entitled to cashless treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh per victim for seven days from the accident date. Stabilization treatment is provided for up to 24 hours in non-life-threatening cases and up to 48 hours in life-threatening situations, contingent upon police verification through an integrated digital system.
Technology-Driven Implementation
The scheme is implemented through a robust technology-driven framework that combines MoRTH’s Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) platform with the National Health Authority’s Transaction Management System (TMS) 2.0. This integration allows seamless digital connectivity from accident reporting to hospital admission, police verification, treatment administration, claim processing, and final payment.
By approving PM RAHAT from Seva Teerth, the Prime Minister has prioritized life-saving intervention, financial certainty for hospitals, and a structured emergency response system for accident victims. The decision underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring no life is lost due to a lack of immediate medical assistance after a road accident.
With inputs from PTI
