CGHS beneficiaries get simplified procedure at empanelled hospitals

For elderly CGHS beneficiaries, the government has eased norms to extend them facility of availing consultations from specialists at empanelled hospitals. The government has permitted elderly CGHS beneficiaries aged 75 years and above to seek consultation from specialists without any referral and undergo treatment/ investigations without endorsement, said Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare) Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

Accordingly, the permission is required only for unlisted treatment procedure/ tests in non-emergency conditions. Notably, CGHS Wellness Centres provide primary health care facilities and, if required, refer the beneficiaries to the specialists at government hospitals/ private hospitals empanelled under CGHS. 

In emergency conditions, no endorsement for any treatment/ investigation is required from CGHS Wellness Centre, but in non-emergency conditions or unlisted treatment/ tests, endorsement from concerned CGHS Wellness Centre is required, he said.

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According to him, guidelines for referral issued earlier on the 15th January, 2018 have been modified on the 10th December, 2018 and the following modifications have been made in the interest of sick people, pensioners and serving employees:

1. The referral shall be valid for consultations up to 3 times in the same hospital within 30 days.
2. CGHS beneficiaries have been permitted to consult up to 3 specialists, if required during a single visit.
3. Investigations advised by specialist of Private Empanelled Hospitals may be undertaken if they are required in emergency as certified by Specialist without endorsement by CGHS.