CGHS Card Facility & Computerisation

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 2776

ANSWERED ON 07.02.2014

2776 . Shri C. RAJENDRAN

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) card including the paper cards are universally acceptable and valid for obtaining treatment in any CGHS dispensary in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the certain CGHS dispensaries are not following the instructions in this regard and directing the beneficiaries to go to their respective CGHS dispensary;

(d) if so, whether any complaint has been received by the Government in this regard and if so, the details thereof duringeach of the last three years and the current year, State and dispensary-wise; and

(e) the action taken/being taken against guilty doctors along with the corrective steps taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a) &(b): Yes. Subsequent to the computerization of operations under Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) the data of CGHS beneficiaries are accessible online enabling portability of CGHS card for use across the country.

Individual plastic cards are issued for convenience to the beneficiaries. It enables them for availing CGHS facilities while on a visit to another CGHS city.

Government has already issued instructions vide OM no. 6024/2007/CGHS(HQ)/CGHS(P) dated 16th March, 2011 regarding validity of CGHS cards, including paper cards in all CGHS Wellness Centres across the country.

(c) to (e): There are some complaints in this regard and therefore the instructions have been reiterated vide Circulars dated 17.12.2012 and 22.05.2013 to sensitize all concerned about this provision.

There are two such complaints on record in Delhi against the Medical Officers at CGHS Wellness Centre Dr. Z. H. Road, New Delhi. Written warnings have been issued to the erring officers. However, awareness in this regard has been constantly generated among the CMO I/Cs of the dispensaries through all sources of communication including monthly meetings and training programmes.