What is PM RAHAT Scheme?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
The scheme provides financial assistance for medical treatment to eligible individuals.
- 2.
It covers a wide range of diseases, including cancer, heart disease, kidney failure, and accidents.
- 3.
The amount of assistance provided depends on the nature of the treatment and the financial condition of the applicant.
- 4.
Applicants must submit relevant medical documents and income certificates to prove their eligibility.
- 5.
The scheme is implemented through hospitals and medical institutions empanelled by the government.
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A dedicated online portal allows for easy application and tracking of the application status.
- 7.
The scheme prioritizes assistance to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families and other vulnerable groups.
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Regular audits are conducted to ensure transparency and accountability in the disbursement of funds.
- 9.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare oversees the implementation and monitoring of the scheme.
- 10.
The scheme complements other government healthcare initiatives like Ayushman Bharat.
- 11.
Assistance can cover expenses like surgery, hospitalization, medicines, and diagnostic tests.
- 12.
There is a grievance redressal mechanism to address complaints and concerns related to the scheme.
Visual Insights
PM RAHAT Scheme: Application Process
Steps involved in applying for the PM RAHAT Scheme.
- 1.Submit application with medical documents and income certificate
- 2.Verification of documents by empanelled hospital/institution
- 3.Approval by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- 4.Disbursement of funds to the hospital/institution
- 5.Treatment provided to the beneficiary
Recent Developments
7 developmentsIn 2023, the government increased the budget allocation for the scheme to expand its reach.
The scheme has been integrated with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission to improve efficiency and transparency.
The eligibility criteria have been relaxed to include more beneficiaries.
Awareness campaigns are being conducted to promote the scheme and encourage eligible individuals to apply.
The government is exploring partnerships with private hospitals to increase the availability of treatment options.
The recent announcement includes cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh for accident victims.
The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund has been doubled to ₹2 lakh crore, indirectly supporting rural healthcare infrastructure.
This Concept in News
1 topicsFrequently Asked Questions
61. What is the PM RAHAT Scheme and what are its main objectives?
The PM RAHAT Scheme, or Prime Minister's Relief Assistance for Healthcare, is a government initiative designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who need medical treatment but cannot afford it. The main objective is to reduce the financial burden on families during medical emergencies and ensure timely access to quality healthcare.
Exam Tip
Remember the full name: Prime Minister's Relief Assistance for Healthcare. Focus on the 'relief' and 'healthcare' aspects to recall the scheme's purpose.
2. What are the key provisions of the PM RAHAT Scheme?
The PM RAHAT Scheme includes the following key provisions:
- •Financial assistance for medical treatment to eligible individuals.
- •Coverage of a wide range of diseases, including cancer, heart disease, kidney failure, and accidents.
- •The amount of assistance depends on the nature of the treatment and the financial condition of the applicant.
- •Applicants must submit relevant medical documents and income certificates to prove their eligibility.
- •Implementation through hospitals and medical institutions empanelled by the government.
Exam Tip
Focus on the eligibility criteria and the types of diseases covered. This is crucial for answering specific questions in the exam.
3. How does the PM RAHAT Scheme work in practice?
In practice, the PM RAHAT Scheme involves a process where eligible individuals apply for financial assistance by submitting medical documents and income certificates. These applications are processed to ensure aid reaches the appropriate beneficiaries. The scheme operates through empanelled hospitals and medical institutions, which provide treatment to patients and then claim the expenses from the government. The amount of assistance varies depending on the treatment required and the applicant's financial status.
Exam Tip
Understand the application and claim process. Knowing the practical steps helps in answering scenario-based questions.
4. What are the challenges in the implementation of the PM RAHAT Scheme?
Some challenges in implementing the PM RAHAT Scheme include:
- •Ensuring that the aid reaches the most vulnerable sections of society.
- •Streamlining the application and approval process to reduce delays.
- •Preventing misuse of funds and ensuring transparency.
- •Expanding the scheme's reach to cover more beneficiaries.
- •Coordination between different government departments and empanelled hospitals.
Exam Tip
Consider the administrative and logistical challenges. Think about how these challenges can be addressed for better implementation.
5. How has the PM RAHAT Scheme evolved over time?
The PM RAHAT Scheme has evolved over time by:
- •Revisions and expansions to include more diseases and treatments.
- •Integration with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission to improve efficiency and transparency.
- •Relaxation of eligibility criteria to include more beneficiaries.
- •Increased budget allocation to expand its reach.
Exam Tip
Note the integration with digital initiatives like Ayushman Bharat. This reflects the government's focus on leveraging technology for better healthcare delivery.
6. What is the significance of the PM RAHAT Scheme in the context of social justice and healthcare accessibility in India?
The PM RAHAT Scheme is significant because it directly addresses the issue of financial barriers to healthcare access. It provides a safety net for vulnerable populations who cannot afford expensive medical treatments, promoting social justice by ensuring that healthcare is not solely dependent on one's economic status. It aligns with the constitutional directive of providing healthcare to all citizens, particularly the vulnerable.
Exam Tip
Relate the scheme to broader goals of social justice and equitable access to healthcare. This will help in writing comprehensive answers in the Mains exam.