Gandhinagar, March 6 (NationPress) A workshop at the state level took place in Gandhinagar to enhance the execution of the PM-RAHAT scheme in Gujarat, which focuses on providing immediate medical assistance to road accident victims during the crucial golden hour without any financial hindrance.

This one-day event was organized by the Gujarat Road Safety Authority and saw participation from road safety nodal officers from various districts, high-ranking officials from the state police and Health Department, as well as representatives from other relevant departments on Friday.

The PM-RAHAT scheme, initiated by the central government, aims to guarantee that victims of road mishaps receive fast medical attention during the golden hour—the time immediately following an accident when timely intervention is critical to saving lives.

Under this initiative, victims are entitled to cashless medical treatment worth up to Rs 1.5 lakh in hospitals for a maximum of seven days, ensuring that financial constraints do not impede urgent medical care.

At the start of the workshop, Gujarat Road Safety Authority Commissioner Satish Patel introduced the scheme and emphasized the significance of timely treatment within the golden hour post-accident.

He highlighted the necessity for robust coordination among various departments to ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach accident victims efficiently throughout the state.

IG of the State Traffic Branch, M.L. Ninama, provided insights into the police department's role in facilitating cashless treatment for accident victims.

He discussed the procedures related to accident reporting, documentation, and collaboration with hospitals to ensure that victims are registered under the scheme without delay.

State Traffic Branch SP Sahitya V also updated attendees on the program's operational aspects and its execution in Gujarat.

Health Department officials elaborated on the medical teams' roles in delivering timely treatment and registering accident victims under the scheme.

Upendra Gandhi, Deputy Director of PM-JAY, explained that the scheme was launched by the central government to assist accident victims and requires coordinated efforts between police and health authorities.

“The police ensure that the victim is transported to the hospital promptly, and an electronic detailed accident report must be generated within 24 hours. The Health Department is responsible for treatment and registering the patient on the PM-RAHAT portal. Notably, the vehicle involved in the accident is not covered under the scheme,” he said.

Sahitya mentioned that the Centre had instructed all states to implement this program and that it has been operational in Gujarat since February 13.

She indicated that multiple agencies, including the Health Department, Police Department, 108 emergency services, and 112 emergency response teams, are collaborating within this framework.

“Whenever an accident occurs, the 108 service notifies both the hospital and the police. The police confirm that it is a road accident, identify the victim, and relay the information to the hospital,” he explained.

The PM-RAHAT scheme, which stands for Prime Minister Road Accident Victim Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment, seeks to guarantee that victims receive immediate and assured medical care during critical moments and that financial limitations do not obstruct life-saving treatment.

The workshop aimed at enhancing inter-departmental coordination to ensure the effective implementation of the scheme throughout Gujarat.