Key Facts and Data Points

  • Full form: PM RAHAT – Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment.
  • Launching Ministry: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
  • Cashless treatment limit: Rs 1.5 lakh per victim for the first 7 days of hospitalization.
  • Stabilization care: Up to 24 hrs for non‑life‑threatening injuries and 48 hrs for life‑threatening injuries, subject to police authentication.
  • Golden Hour concept: Approximately 50 % of road‑accident deaths can be averted if victims receive treatment within the first hour of injury.
  • Digital framework:
  • eDAR (Electronic Detailed Accident Report) platform – accident reporting.
  • TMS 2.0 (Transaction Management System) of the National Health Authority – claim settlement.
  • Funding mechanism:
  • Reimbursement through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF).
  • If the offending vehicle is insured, contributions come from General Insurance Companies.
  • For uninsured or hit‑and‑run cases, expenses are covered by Government of India budgetary allocation.
  • Emergency response integration: Linked with Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) – dial 112 for ambulance dispatch and hospital location.
  • Grievance redressal: District‑level Grievance Redressal Officer nominated by the District Road Safety Committee (chaired by the District Collector/District Magistrate/Deputy Commissioner).

Background and Context

  • India records one of the highest numbers of road‑traffic fatalities globally, with over 150,000 deaths annually.
  • Delayed medical care, especially beyond the first hour, significantly contributes to mortality.
  • Prior to PM RAHAT, victims often faced out‑of‑pocket expenses and fragmented claim processes.
  • The scheme aligns with the National Road Safety Policy (NRSP) 2021 and the Ayushman Bharat framework for universal health coverage.

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

  • Health security: Reduces financial burden on victims and families, promoting equitable access to emergency care.
  • Road safety: Encourages prompt medical intervention, potentially lowering the fatality rate and supporting the Vision Zero goal.
  • Inter‑departmental coordination: Demonstrates a technology‑driven, multi‑agency model linking MoRTH, National Health Authority, police, and insurance sector.
  • Fiscal impact: Utilises the MVAF and insurance premiums, reducing direct fiscal strain while ensuring coverage for uninsured cases.
  • Good Samaritan protection: By integrating with the 112 system, it incentivises by‑standers to assist without fear of legal hassles.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

  • Article 21 – Right to life and personal liberty; timely medical care is integral to this right.
  • Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (Amended 2023) – Provides for compensation to accident victims; PM RAHAT complements the compensation mechanism.
  • National Health Policy 2017 – Emphasises universal health coverage and cashless treatment.
  • Road Transport and Safety Act, 2022 – Strengthens road safety measures; the scheme operationalises its health‑care component.

Implementation Mechanism

  1. Accident occurs → Victim or Good Samaritan dials 112.
  2. ERSS dispatches ambulance and records incident in eDAR.
  3. Hospital receives cashless authorization via TMS 2.0.
  4. Post‑treatment, claim is settled through MVAF or insurance contributions.
  5. Any grievance is addressed by the District Grievance Redressal Officer.

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