PM Launches PM RAHAT Scheme from Seva Teerth to Ensure Golden Hour Care

India records a significant number of road accident fatalities every year, many of which are preventable with timely medical intervention.

In its very first decision after shifting to Seva Teerth, the Prime Minister approved the launch of the PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) Scheme, reflecting a governance approach rooted in Seva — service, compassion and protection for vulnerable citizens.

The landmark initiative underscores the Government’s commitment to ensuring that no life is lost due to lack of immediate medical assistance after a road accident, and that accident victims receive timely, assured and cashless emergency care.

Golden Hour Intervention to Prevent Avoidable Deaths

India records a significant number of road accident fatalities every year, many of which are preventable with timely medical intervention. Studies indicate that nearly 50% of road accident deaths can be averted if victims are admitted to a hospital within the first hour — the critical “Golden Hour.”

By approving PM RAHAT from Seva Teerth, the Prime Minister has prioritised:

• Life-saving intervention in the first hour

• Financial certainty for hospitals

• A structured emergency response system for accident victims

ERSS 112 Integration for Rapid Emergency Response

A key feature of PM RAHAT is its integration with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112 helpline, enabling swift coordination between emergency responders, police authorities and hospitals.

Road accident victims, Rah-Veer (Good Samaritans), or any person at the accident site can dial 112 to:

• Locate the nearest designated hospital

• Request ambulance assistance

• Trigger coordinated emergency response

This ensures victims are transported quickly and safely to appropriate medical facilities.

Cashless Treatment Up to ₹1.5 Lakh for Every Victim

Under the scheme, every eligible road accident victim on any category of road will be entitled to cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim for a period of seven days from the date of the accident.

Stabilisation treatment provisions include:

• Up to 24 hours in non-life-threatening cases

• Up to 48 hours in life-threatening cases

Treatment is provided subject to police authentication through an integrated digital system, ensuring accountability while allowing uninterrupted emergency care.

Technology-Driven Framework Linking Accident to Treatment

PM RAHAT is being implemented through a robust digital framework integrating:

• Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) platform of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

• Transaction Management System (TMS 2.0) of the National Health Authority

This seamless linkage enables end-to-end digital coordination from:

Accident reporting → Hospital admission → Police authentication → Treatment administration → Claim processing → Final payment

Police confirmation timelines are clearly defined:

• Within 24 hours for non-life-threatening cases

• Within 48 hours for life-threatening cases

Assured Hospital Reimbursement Through MV Accident Fund

Reimbursement to hospitals will be made through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF):

• If the offending vehicle is insured, payment will come from contributions by General Insurance Companies

• In uninsured and Hit & Run cases, payment will be covered through Government of India budgetary support

Claims approved by the State Health Agency will be paid within 10 days, ensuring financial certainty for hospitals and encouraging uninterrupted treatment for victims.

District-Level Grievance Redressal Mechanism

To ensure accountability, grievances of road accident victims will be addressed by a Grievance Redressal Officer nominated by the District Road Safety Committee chaired by the District Collector / District Magistrate / Deputy Commissioner.

This ensures strong district-level oversight and responsiveness.

Citizen-First Governance Rooted in Seva

The approval and launch of PM RAHAT from Seva Teerth symbolises a citizen-first approach, where governance translates into timely action, compassionate response and protection of life.

By ensuring that no accident victim is denied life-saving treatment due to financial constraints, PM RAHAT marks a decisive step toward saving lives and strengthening India’s emergency care ecosystem.