PM-RAHT scheme launched in Tripura to ensure cashless treatment for road accident victims

The Prime Minister’s RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) Scheme has been launched in Tripura to ensure that victims of road accidents receive immediate medical care without financial obstacles. The scheme will be implemented under the supervision of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Addressing a press conference at Civil Secretariat on Friday afternoon, Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury accompanied by Transport Secretary, UK Chakma and IG( Law and order) Ipper Manchak said that under this initiative, road accident victims will be entitled to cashless treatment of up to Rs 1.5 lakh for a maximum of seven days. However, any medical expenses exceeding this limit will have to be borne by the patient’s family members.

Chowdhury elaborated on the scheme and said that the Transport, Health, and Family Welfare departments will work in coordination to ensure proper implementation.

He said that the scheme has been introduced to prevent delays in treatment for accident victims. The virtual launch of the scheme was conducted on Thursday under the chairmanship of Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.

He further stated that special emphasis has been laid to ensure that no victim is deprived of treatment due to financial constraints. In the state, seven government hospitals along with 148 small and large private and public hospitals, including GB Hospital in the capital, have been empanelled under the scheme. These hospitals will provide immediate treatment to accident victims without any administrative delays.

The Transport Minister also mentioned that a “Rah-Veer” scheme is being implemented in the state. Under this initiative, any individual who takes a road accident victim to a hospital within the first hour of the incident will receive financial assistance of Rs 25,000 from the government. So far, nine individuals in the state and one DySP at the national level have been honoured under the scheme.

Chowdhury expressed hope that the PM-RAHT scheme will significantly reduce fatalities caused by road accidents. He added that families of accident victims will benefit substantially from the financial support provided under the programme. Necessary arrangements for the implementation of the scheme in the state have already been completed.

While, the Union Road, Transport and Highways Ministry said that the decision underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that no life is lost due to lack of immediate medical assistance after a road accident. The Ministry said, reimbursement to hospitals will be made through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund. It said, the launch of PM RAHAT from Seva Teerth in New Delhi , symbolizes a citizen-first approach – where governance translates into timely action, compassionate response, and protection of life.

During the press meet, CEO of State Ayush Mission, Sharad Nayar and additional secretary of Transport department, Subrata Choudhury were also present.