Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched the PM RAHAT scheme, a new initiative aimed at providing cashless treatment to road accident victims across the country.
The scheme seeks to ensure immediate medical assistance during the critical “golden hour” following an accident, reducing fatalities caused by delays in hospital admission or financial constraints. Under PM RAHAT, eligible accident victims will be able to receive treatment at designated hospitals without upfront payment, with expenses covered under the scheme framework.
Officials said the initiative is designed to strengthen emergency response systems and improve access to timely healthcare. The scheme is expected to operate in coordination with state governments, hospitals, and insurance mechanisms to ensure smooth implementation and monitoring.
Addressing the launch event, the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of road safety and citizen welfare, stating that no individual should lose their life due to lack of immediate medical care. He highlighted that infrastructure development must be complemented by robust safety and healthcare support systems.
India records a significant number of road accidents annually, making emergency medical intervention a key public health priority. The PM RAHAT scheme aims to reduce financial stress on victims’ families while ensuring rapid and quality medical treatment.
Authorities indicated that detailed operational guidelines, hospital empanelment processes, and eligibility criteria will be issued to facilitate nationwide rollout. The initiative is expected to enhance coordination between health services and road safety authorities, contributing to improved accident response and survival outcomes.
