The Centre has launched the Prime Minister–Road Accident Victims’ Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment (PM-RAHAT) Scheme to provide cashless treatment support to road accident victims. The scheme offers coverage of up to ₹1.5 lakh for up to seven days from the date of the accident. It applies to accidents involving motor vehicles on any category of road and is designed to ensure immediate medical care during the critical golden hour.
Key Features of the Scheme
- The scheme provides cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim.
- Coverage is available for a maximum of seven days after the accident.
- Stabilisation treatment is allowed for up to 24 hours in non-life-threatening cases.
- In life-threatening cases, treatment can continue for up to 48 hours, subject to police response.
- The scheme takes precedence over other central or state accident treatment schemes.
Legal Basis and Implementation
PM-RAHAT has been notified under Section 162 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Detailed operational guidelines and standard operating procedures have been issued for implementation. The scheme was launched on 13 February 2026 and is being rolled out through a digital system linking accident reporting, hospital records, claim processing and payment.
Digital Workflow and Funding
The scheme integrates the Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) platform used by police with the Transaction Management System (TMS 2.0) used by hospitals under the National Health Authority. It is also linked to the 112 Emergency Response Support System for ambulance access and hospital location support. Payments will be made through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, financed by insurance company contributions in insured cases and by government support in uninsured and hit-and-run cases.
Monitoring, Hospitals and Grievance Redressal
Hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and meeting scheme norms are treated as designated hospitals. Payments to hospitals are to be made within 10 days of claim approval by the State Health Agency. District Road Safety Committees will monitor implementation, while unresolved grievances may be escalated to the District Collector, the State Road Safety Council and the national steering committee.
Last Modified: April 29, 2026