Summary of this article
Cashless treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh offered.
Coverage available for seven days post accident.
Digital system links police, hospitals and claims.
The central government has recently introduced the PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment) Scheme for providing immediate medical care to road accident victims. Each eligible victim can get cashless treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh, for seven days from the date of the accident. The scheme aims at ensuring access to medical care without having to pay up front.
Who Can Avail The Scheme
All victims of road accidents on all types of roads are eligible for PM RAHAT. Emergency responders, under call sign Rah-Veer, or any bystander at the spot of the accident, can call the 112 helpline, request ambulance services, and find the nearest designated hospital.
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways reports that a high number of road accident deaths is seen in India every year. Hospitalisation in the first hour after the accident (termed as the Golden Hour) can save nearly 50 per cent of fatalities. The scheme is interlinked with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112 helpline to help the victims reach the hospitals quickly.
Coverage Under Rs 1.5 Lakh
PM RAHAT provides cashless medical treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh for the victim. Medical coverage is for seven days from the date of the accident. Stabilisation treatment under the scheme involves:
Up to 24 hours for non-life-threatening injuries
Up to 48 hours for life-threatening injuries
Treatment with police verification using a digital platform
The goal is to guarantee the immediate medical intervention during what is known as the 'Golden Hour', which is crucial in reducing fatalities and managing injuries effectively.
Cashless Claims Process
The scheme comprises a technology-based system for linking the accident reporting, hospital admission, police verification, treatment and claim settlement. It integrates:
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways eDAR platform for Electronic Detailed Accident Report
The Transaction Management System (TMS 2.0) of the National Health Authority
Police confirmation must be provided within 24 hours for non-life-threatening cases, and 48 hours for life-threatening cases. Hospitals are reimbursed by the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF).
For the insured victims, the contributions of General Insurance Companies are used. For the uninsured victims or hit-and-run cases, the government offers a financial provision through the allotment of funds in the budget. Claims that are approved by the State Health Agency are processed within ten days so that treatment is not disrupted.
Interconnection With Emergency Services
The scheme is linked to the 112 emergency Helpline, which allows victims or bystanders to call for ambulances and instructions to go to the nearest designated hospital. This coordination is aimed at reducing delays in hospital admission and improving access to care during the Golden Hour.
Grievance Redressal
A grievance mechanism is used to address complaints under the scheme. The District Road Safety Committee, which is chaired by the District Collector, District Magistrate or Deputy Commissioner, has a Grievance Redressal Officer appointed to take care of the complaints and ensure resolution in time.
Scope Of Implementation
PM RAHAT covers both insured and uninsured victims and ensures hospitals are reimbursed on a specified timeline. Digital verification, police authentication, and integration with emergency services attempt to improve access to treatment and payment to hospitals.
