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Kerala to Implement PM-RAHAT Scheme for Cashless Road Accident Treatment
The Kerala government will soon implement the Union government’s PM-RAHAT (Prime Minister–Road Accident Victims’ Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment) scheme. The scheme provides for immediate, cashless medical care to road accident victims, with a focus on treatment during the Golden Hour.
PM-RAHAT :
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Nature of scheme | PM-RAHAT provides for a structured emergency response for immediate, cashless medical care to road accident victims. |
| Focus area | The scheme regulates care delivery around the Golden Hour, defined as the first hour after trauma when prompt medical care has the highest likelihood of preventing death. |
| Target beneficiaries | The scheme applies to any road accident victim on any category of road in India. |
| Financial cap | The scheme provides for cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim. |
| Time limitation | The scheme applies for a maximum period of 7 days from the date of the accident. |
| Stabilization windows | Stabilization windows comprise up to 24 hours for non-life-threatening cases, and up to 48 hours for life-threatening cases. |
| Implementing platforms | The scheme comprises two ministerial platforms: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and National Health Authority. |
| Digital systems used | The implementation comprises eDAR (Electronic Detailed Accident Report) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and TMS 2.0 (Transaction Management System) under the National Health Authority. |
| Emergency helpline integration | The scheme authorises integration with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112 helplines. |
| Who can use helpline | The scheme authorises victims, Good Samaritans (Rah-Veer), and bystanders to dial 112 to locate the nearest designated hospital and request ambulance assistance. |
| Funding mechanism | The scheme mandates hospital reimbursement through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF) via a tiered funding model: insured offending vehicle, contributions made by General Insurance Companies; uninsured or hit-and-run cases, budgetary allocation by the Government of India. |
| Financial settlement timeline | The scheme mandates that claims approved by the State Health Agency (SHA) are paid to hospitals within 10 days. |
| Police authentication | The scheme mandates mandatory police confirmation for treatment and stabilization on an integrated digital system within strict timelines. |
| Grievance redressal | The scheme provides for district-level grievance redressal by a nominated Grievance Redressal Officer under the District Road Safety Committee. |
| Chairperson at district level | The District Road Safety Committee comprises chairperson as the District Collector, District Magistrate, or Deputy Commissioner. |