PM-RAHAT scheme completes six months of implementation; offers treatment cover up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim

In accordance with the legal mandate under Section 162 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the PM-RAHAT (Road Accident Victims' Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment) scheme was launched for nationwide implementation on 13.02.2026, with the primary objective of reducing fatalities due to road accidents by ensuring timely and uninterrupted medical care to road accident victims including during the critical Golden Hour i.e., the time period lasting one hour following a traumatic injury during which there is highest likelihood of preventing death by providing prompt medical care.

About the Scheme
- Launched nationwide on 13 Feb 2026 under Section 162 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
- Provides treatment cover up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim, capped at 7 days from the date of accident.
- Focus: timely medical care during the Golden Hour to reduce fatalities.
- Coverage applies to all road accident victims involving motor vehicles.

Performance (as of 31 July 2026)
- Total beneficiaries: 22,481 across 34 States/UTs.
- Claims approved: ₹12.59 crore.
- Claims paid to hospitals: ₹10.56 crore.

Hospital Network
- Designated hospitals include those empanelled under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY that comply with NHA guidelines.
- States/UTs advised to onboard more hospitals for wider coverage.
- Non-compliance (denial of admission/treatment) can lead to disciplinary action, suspension, or de-empanelment.

Emergency Response
- Integrated with 📞112 ERSS for quick ambulance support and nearest hospital details.
- Ensures victims reach hospitals within the Golden Hour.

State/UT Highlights (Annexure-I)
- Top beneficiaries:
- Gujarat – 7,036 cases
- Madhya Pradesh – 6,761 cases
- Assam – 2,091 cases
- Smaller states/UTs like Goa, Manipur, Mizoram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands reported 1–3 cases.
- Total breakdown: 18,149 approved cases, 3,674 discharged due to no police response, 658 rejected as not eligible.

👉 In essence: PM-RAHAT has already supported over 22,000 accident victims in just six months, showing strong early impact. The scheme’s success hinges on hospital compliance, police coordination, and ERSS integration to maximize survival during the Golden Hour.