From Seva Teerth, PM Modi Announces PM RAHAT Scheme for Accident Victims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Cabinet approved the launch of PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) on February 14, 2026, soon after shifting to Seva Teerth. The scheme ensures that no road accident victim is denied life-saving treatment due to lack of money. Under PM RAHAT, eligible victims will receive cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per person for 7 days from the date of accident, marking a decisive step in strengthening India’s emergency healthcare system.

Why PM RAHAT Is Crucial for India

India records a high number of road accident fatalities every year. Studies show that nearly 50% of accident deaths can be prevented if victims receive treatment within the Golden Hour the first hour after trauma when timely medical care significantly increases survival chances.

By launching PM RAHAT, the government aims to ensure,

• Immediate hospital admission
• Financial certainty for hospitals
• Structured emergency coordination
• Protection for vulnerable citizens

The decision reflects a governance model rooted in service, compassion, and accountability.

Key Features of the PM RAHAT Scheme

The PM RAHAT Scheme provides structured and technology-driven support to accident victims.

Main Highlights,

• ₹1.5 lakh cashless treatment per victim
• Coverage for 7 days from date of accident

Stabilization treatment,

• Up to 24 hours (non-life-threatening cases)
• Up to 48 hours (life-threatening cases)
• Police authentication through digital system
• Applicable on any category of road

This ensures that emergency care begins immediately without financial barriers.

Integration with ERSS 112 and Digital Platforms

The scheme is integrated with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112 helpline, enabling victims, Good Samaritans (Rah-Veer), or bystanders to dial 112 for ambulance assistance and details of the nearest designated hospital.

PM RAHAT also connects,

• Ministry of Road Transport and Highways eDAR platform (Electronic Detailed Accident Report)
• National Health Authority TMS 2.0 system
• This integration ensures seamless digital flow from accident reporting to hospital admission, police authentication, treatment, and payment settlement.

Funding and Reimbursement Mechanism

• Reimbursement under PM RAHAT will be made through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF).
• If the offending vehicle is insured, payment will come from General Insurance Companies.
• In uninsured or Hit & Run cases, payment will be made through Government of India budget allocation.
• Claims approved by the State Health Agency will be settled within 10 days, ensuring financial certainty for hospitals.
• This structure encourages hospitals to provide uninterrupted emergency care.

Grievance Redressal and Accountability

• To ensure transparency, grievances will be handled by a Grievance Redressal Officer nominated by the District Road Safety Committee.
• The committee is chaired by the District Collector/District Magistrate/Deputy Commissioner.

Police confirmation timelines are fixed,

• 24 hours for non life threatening cases
• 48 hours for life-threatening cases
• This ensures accountability without delaying emergency treatment.

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. Under PM RAHAT, road accident victims are entitled to cashless treatment up to,

A) ₹50,000
B) ₹1 lakh
C) ₹1.5 lakh
D) ₹2 lakh