CGHS Rules Changed: Geographical Restriction Removed For Eligible Central Government Employees
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Central Government has removed the geographical restriction governing eligibility under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), allowing eligible employees residing or posted outside CGHS-covered areas to opt for the healthcare scheme, subject to other applicable conditions and payment of the prescribed contribution.
The change is expected to benefit employees who were previously unable to access CGHS benefits because their place of residence or posting fell outside the scheme's coverage area.
Geographical Condition Removed
Under the earlier arrangement, employees living or posted outside a CGHS coverage area faced restrictions in opting for the scheme.
With the change, eligible employees outside the coverage areas can now opt for CGHS if they fulfil the prescribed conditions and pay the applicable contribution.
However, the option, once exercised, cannot subsequently be changed.
Employees opting for CGHS will also have to submit an undertaking stating that neither they nor their eligible family members will claim medical benefits under both CGHS and the Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944.
Employees In CGHS Areas Must Continue With CGHS
The revised provisions do not give employees already residing or posted within a CGHS coverage area the option to switch to the alternative medical attendance rules.
For such employees, CGHS coverage will continue to remain mandatory under the applicable provisions.
Action For False Information
The government has also issued directions against employees attempting to obtain medical benefits by submitting false or misleading information.
Such employees could face disciplinary action, while the financial value of benefits obtained wrongly will also be recovered.
CGHS Covers Lakhs Of Beneficiaries
The Central Government Health Scheme provides healthcare services to serving and retired Central Government employees and their eligible family members.
The scheme was launched in Delhi on July 1, 1954, and has since expanded to 81 cities across the country.
Beneficiaries receive healthcare services through CGHS wellness centres, polyclinics and empanelled hospitals.
