Odisha Rolls Out PM Rahat Scheme to Save Road Accident Victims
Odisha has launched the PM Rahat Scheme, a landmark initiative aimed at reducing fatalities from road accidents.
Under the scheme, victims admitted to hospitals within 24 hours of a crash will receive free medical treatment worth up to Rs 1.5 lakh for a period of seven days.
The program is funded through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, ensuring hospitals are reimbursed promptly.
Accident details must be uploaded to the e‑DAR portal within 24 hours to process claims, while integration with the 112 emergency service will enable rapid response.
Monitoring will take place at national, state, and district levels, with Odisha’s district collectors playing a key role.
The scheme extends to PMJAY‑empanelled hospitals and other emergency care facilities, strengthening coordination between the Health and Transport Departments.
Grievance redressal mechanisms have been set up at the district level, allowing victims to file complaints, with collectors making final decisions.
With Odisha recording nearly 16 road accident deaths daily, the scheme is expected to be a life‑saving intervention, ensuring immediate treatment during the critical “golden hour” and reducing preventable fatalities.
