The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has introduced a groundbreaking development that brings cashless treatment facilities to beneficiaries of the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). Under this initiative, CGHS beneficiaries, including both serving and retired individuals, will now have direct access to cashless treatment at three renowned medical institutions: AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh and JIPMER Puducherry. This move aims to simplify the healthcare process, eliminate upfront payments and expedite access to state-of-the-art treatment without the need for reimbursement claims.
Enhancing Accessibility and Convenience
In an effort to provide the best healthcare services aligned with the increasing requirements of patients, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between CGHS and the three Institutes of National Importance (INI). This initiative builds upon the previously signed MoAs between CGHS and various All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) across the country.
The extension of cashless treatment facilities to CGHS beneficiaries at AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh and JIPMER Puducherry offers significant benefits, particularly for pensioner beneficiaries. Previously, these individuals had to make upfront payments and follow up with reimbursement claims. However, with the new initiative, CGHS beneficiaries can directly access the advanced treatment facilities at these medical institutions, saving time, reducing paperwork and expediting the settlement of individual claims.
Simplifying the Healthcare Process
The streamlined process introduced through this agreement allows CGHS beneficiaries to receive treatment without the hassle of making upfront payments or seeking reimbursements from CGHS. Instead, the three institutions will raise credit bills for CGHS pensioners and other eligible beneficiaries, with CGHS making payments within 30 days of receiving the bills. This eliminates the need for individuals to submit individual reimbursement claims and follow up for approvals, providing a seamless experience for beneficiaries.
Expanding Reach and Service Excellence
The Union Health Secretary, Shri Rajesh Bhushan, emphasized the government’s commitment to expanding the number of hospitals empaneled under CGHS. The goal is to provide excellent tertiary care facilities that cater to the rising requirements of patients across the nation. With the addition of AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh and JIPMER Puducherry, the reach of CGHS services expands further, allowing beneficiaries to avail themselves of these facilities in their respective states.
Key Features of the Initiative
The cashless treatment facilities for CGHS beneficiaries encompass various key features that enhance accessibility and convenience. These include:
1. Comprehensive Coverage
The cashless treatment facilities cover outpatient departments (OPD), investigations and indoor treatment for CGHS pensioners and other eligible beneficiaries. This ensures that beneficiaries can access a wide range of medical services without the burden of upfront payments.
2. Simplified Billing Process
Under this initiative, the three institutions will raise credit bills for CGHS pensioners and eligible beneficiaries. CGHS aims to make payments within 30 days of receiving the bills, streamlining the billing and reimbursement process.
3. Valid CGHS Beneficiary ID Card Requirement
To avail themselves of the cashless treatment facilities, CGHS beneficiaries will need to present a valid CGHS Beneficiary ID Card at the three institutions. This requirement ensures smooth verification and authentication during the admission process.
4. Dedicated Help Desks and Accounting Systems
Separate Help Desks and accounting systems will be established specifically for CGHS beneficiaries at AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh and JIPMER Puducherry. These dedicated facilities will cater to the unique needs of CGHS beneficiaries, ensuring efficient and personalized service.
5. Medication Collection through CGHS
Beneficiaries can collect prescribed medicines from CGHS for both OPD treatment and at the time of discharge. This convenient arrangement ensures that beneficiaries have easy access to necessary medications without additional financial burdens.
6. Elimination of Referral Requirements
CGHS beneficiaries will no longer require referrals to access healthcare facilities at AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh and JIPMER Puducherry. This change simplifies the process, allowing beneficiaries to directly seek the required treatment.
Conclusion: A Promising Step Forward
The introduction of cashless treatment facilities for CGHS beneficiaries at AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh and JIPMER Puducherry marks a significant development in the healthcare sector. This people-centric initiative streamlines the healthcare process, eliminates upfront payments and accelerates access to high-quality medical care. With a focus on expanding the reach of CGHS services and simplifying formalities, the government aims to provide exceptional tertiary care facilities that cater to the diverse needs of the population.
Earlier there was a news of CGHS beneficiaries getting cashless treatment at 6 AIIMS?