A road accident can leave victims and their families struggling to arrange money for emergency medical treatment. To address this problem, the Central Government has introduced the Prime Minister–Road Accident Victims' Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment Scheme, known as PM-RAHAT.

The scheme aims to ensure that eligible road accident victims receive timely cashless treatment at designated hospitals, without having to arrange money immediately after an accident. It is particularly important because the first few hours after a serious accident can be critical for saving a person's life.

Who Is Eligible for PM-RAHAT?

The scheme covers people injured in road accidents involving motor vehicles, regardless of the category of road on which the accident occurs.

The key benefits include:

• Cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim.

• Treatment coverage for a maximum of seven days from the date of the accident.

• Stabilisation treatment for up to 24 hours in non-life-threatening cases.

• Stabilisation treatment for up to 48 hours in life-threatening cases, subject to the scheme's procedures and police response.

The benefit is available through designated hospitals, including eligible hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Road Accident?

One of the most useful features of PM-RAHAT is its integration with the emergency helpline 112.

If you witness an accident or are helping an injured person, follow these steps:

1. Call 112 and report the accident.

2. Request ambulance assistance if required.

3. Ask for information about the nearest designated hospital.

4. Ensure the victim reaches a hospital as quickly as possible.

5. Inform hospital authorities that the accident victim may be eligible for PM-RAHAT.

A Good Samaritan can also call 112 to seek assistance and information about the nearest designated hospital.

Does the Victim Need to Pay the Hospital First?

Under PM-RAHAT, eligible treatment is provided on a cashless basis at designated hospitals. The hospital processes the treatment details through the prescribed digital system, while the police verification and claim process are handled through the linked government platforms.

The scheme uses the Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) platform and the National Health Authority's Transaction Management System (TMS 2.0) to connect accident records with hospital treatment.

How Many People Have Benefited So Far?

According to information shared by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in August 2026, a total of 22,481 road accident victims had benefited from the scheme across 34 States and Union Territories as of July 31, 2026.

The government has also established a grievance redressal mechanism at district, state and national levels to address implementation-related complaints.

Why Is PM-RAHAT Important?

The first hour after a serious accident is often called the Golden Hour because timely medical attention can significantly improve the chances of survival.

PM-RAHAT aims to reduce delays caused by financial difficulties by ensuring that eligible victims can access emergency treatment without arranging immediate payment.

The most important thing to remember is simple: in case of a road accident, call 112, seek immediate medical assistance and ask for the nearest designated PM-RAHAT hospital.