PM-RAHAT Yojana: If you travel on the road, there is always a risk of an accident. Often, victims of such accidents do not receive timely medical treatment, frequently because they lack the funds to pay for it. To address this issue, the Central Government has launched the ‘PM Road Accident Victims’ Hospitalisation and Treatment Scheme’—also known as the ‘PM-RAHAT’ scheme.
Under this scheme, an accident victim can receive cashless medical treatment worth up to ₹1.5 lakh. This facility is available for up to 7 days following the accident. An ‘Ayushman Card’ is not required to avail of this benefit; this means that any eligible person injured in a road accident can receive medical care, regardless of their financial status. Let us explore this in detail and learn how to avail ourselves of the benefits of this scheme.
Free medical treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh
A key feature of the PM-RAHAT scheme is that an accident victim can receive cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh. Eligible individuals can access this care within 7 days from the date of the accident. This facility applies to road accidents involving motor vehicles, regardless of the specific road where the incident occurred. Hospitals are prohibited from charging the patient for any expenses covered under this scheme.
No ‘Ayushman Card’ required
It is important to note that an ‘Ayushman Bharat Card’ is not required to benefit from this government scheme. Furthermore, there are no restrictions based on specific social categories or income levels (such as being below the poverty line). Any person injured in a motor vehicle accident is entitled to cashless treatment, irrespective of their financial situation. This facility is available to both Indian citizens and foreign nationals.
Prompt treatment during the ‘Golden Hour’
The period immediately following an accident is known as the ‘Golden Hour’—a critical window of time for medical intervention. Providing prompt medical attention to an injured person significantly increases their chances of survival. Under the ‘PM Relief Scheme’ (Prime Minister’s relief initiative), there is a provision for initial medical treatment for injured individuals.
This includes stabilisation care for up to 24 hours; in cases where life is at risk, treatment can be provided for up to 48 hours. This facility is extended subject to police verification and oversight at the hospital.
Call this number in the event of an accident.
If you witness an accident, you can immediately call 112. Through this emergency helpline, you can request an ambulance and obtain information about the nearest hospital. When callyou call, you must provide the location of the accident and request bothambulance and police assistance. You should also inform the hospital that the treatment is to be covered under the ‘PM Relief’ scheme.
Who pays for the hospital treatment?
Many people wonder: if an injured person receives hospital treatment without being charged, who covers the cost? To address thisthis issuee government has established a ‘Motor Vehicle Accident Fund’. The hospital’s treatment expenses will be paid for through this fund.