The Prime Minister–Road Accident Victims’ Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment (PM-RAHAT) Scheme introduced by the Central government to provide immediate medical assistance to individuals involved in road accidents is very useful, said Prakasam District SP V. Harshavardhan Raju.

Under this scheme, treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh will be provided to any victim of a road accident for a maximum of seven days from the date of the accident. In addition, a Good Samaritan (Rah-veer) who helps a victim during the critical ‘golden hour’ after a road accident cannot be subjected to legal hassles.

The SP said that several awareness programmes on road safety are being conducted across the district. Additionally, preventive measures are being taken in coordination with the relevant departments by identifying blackspots where accidents frequently occur.

He said that under the PM Rahat scheme, those injured in road accidents will be admitted to the nearest hospital immediately and will be provided cashless medical treatment up to ₹1.50 lakh in the first 48 to 72 hours.

The SP stated that the Central government is implementing this scheme with an aim of ensuring that no one loses their life due to lack of money, and it will be a lifesaver, especially for victims who have sustained serious injuries.

He further appealed to the people to shift the victims of road accident to the nearest hospital without any delay as ‘Good Samaritans’, who help the victims, would be provided legal protection and also be given cash reward of ₹25,000.