Launched under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the scheme focuses on ensuring that every accident victim receives timely medical care during the critical Golden Hour, without worrying about hospital expenses or approvals. It aims to reduce preventable deaths by ensuring fast emergency response and guaranteed treatment.
The scheme takes precedence over other central or state health schemes in accident cases.
PM Rahat Scheme 2026 Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Scheme Name | PM RAHAT Scheme |
| Full Form | Prime Minister - Road Accident Victims' Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment |
| Launch Date | 13 February 2026 |
| Legal Basis | Section 162, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 |
| Coverage Amount | Up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim |
| Treatment Duration | Up to 7 days from accident |
| Emergency Stabilization | 24-48 hours |
| Beneficiaries | All road accident victims |
| Treatment Type | Cashless |
| Implementing Authority | National Health Authority (NHA) |
| Funding Source | Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF) |
Eligibility for PM RAHAT Scheme
The PM RAHAT Scheme is designed to be universal and inclusive. The eligibility conditions are simple:- Any person injured in a road accident involving a motor vehicle
- Applicable to all age groups and income categories
- Available to both residents and non-residents injured within India
- No requirement for prior enrollment or registration
In short, any road accident victim automatically qualifies for the scheme benefits.
Key Benefits of PM RAHAT Scheme
₹1.5 Lakh Free Treatment Cover
Eligible victims receive cashless medical treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh, covering:
- Emergency care
- Hospitalization
- Surgeries
- Medicines and diagnostics
- ICU and critical care support
Immediate Life-Saving Treatment
The scheme ensures rapid medical stabilization:- 24 hours for non-critical cases
- 48 hours for life-threatening cases
Nationwide Applicability
The scheme is applicable across all locations in India, including:- National and state highways
- Urban roads
- Rural and remote areas
Cashless Hospitalization
No upfront payment is required from the victim or family. Treatment is provided on a completely cashless basis at designated hospitals.How the PM RAHAT Scheme Works
Step 1: Accident Reporting- Accident is reported via 112 Emergency Response System (ERSS)
- Ambulance and nearest hospital details are immediately shared
- Victim is taken to the nearest designated hospital
- Emergency treatment begins instantly without delay
- Hospital generates a treatment record using TMS 2.0 system
- Case details are shared with police through eDAR platform
- Police verify accident details digitally:
- Within 24 hours (normal cases)
- Within 48 hours (critical cases)
- Hospital submits claim through the digital system
- Payment is released within 10 days after approval
Hospital Network Under the Scheme
- More than 36,000 hospitals under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY are included
- Both government and empanelled private hospitals participate
- States/UTs can onboard additional hospitals if required
Funding of the Scheme
The scheme is funded through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF):- Insurance companies contribute for insured vehicle cases
- Government funds cover:
- Uninsured vehicle accidents
- Hit-and-run cases
Grievance Redressal System
To ensure transparency and accountability, a multi-level grievance system is established:District Level
Any road accident victim involving a motor vehicle is automatically eligible.
Q2. What is the benefit amount under the scheme?
The scheme provides up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim for medical treatment.
Q3. Is the treatment free?
Yes, treatment is completely cashless at designated hospitals.
Q4. How long is coverage available?
Coverage is provided for up to 7 days from the accident date.
Q5. How can I access emergency help?
Call 112 ERSS for ambulance and hospital assistance.
Q6. What about uninsured vehicle cases?
Treatment is still provided, funded by the government under MVAF.
Q7. Are private hospitals included?
Yes, both government and empanelled private hospitals are part of the scheme.
Q8. How are hospitals paid?
Hospitals receive payment digitally within 10 days after approval.
- Managed by District Road Safety Committees (DRSCs)
- A designated Grievance Redressal Officer (GRO) handles issues
- District Authorities
- District Collector
- State Road Safety Council (SRSC)
- Supervised by an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is eligible for the PM RAHAT Scheme?Any road accident victim involving a motor vehicle is automatically eligible.
Q2. What is the benefit amount under the scheme?
The scheme provides up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim for medical treatment.
Q3. Is the treatment free?
Yes, treatment is completely cashless at designated hospitals.
Q4. How long is coverage available?
Coverage is provided for up to 7 days from the accident date.
Q5. How can I access emergency help?
Call 112 ERSS for ambulance and hospital assistance.
Q6. What about uninsured vehicle cases?
Treatment is still provided, funded by the government under MVAF.
Q7. Are private hospitals included?
Yes, both government and empanelled private hospitals are part of the scheme.
Q8. How are hospitals paid?
Hospitals receive payment digitally within 10 days after approval.
Conclusion
The PM RAHAT Scheme 2026 is a significant step toward improving India’s emergency healthcare system. By offering cashless treatment, quick response, and digital coordination, the scheme ensures that no accident victim is denied timely medical care.With a strong network of hospitals, integrated emergency services, and a transparent funding system, the scheme is designed to save lives during the Golden Hour and provide reliable support to road accident victims across the country.
Source/Reference Link: https://morth.gov.in/#/offerings/schemes-and-services/details/pm-rahat
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