CENTRAL GOVERNMENT HEALTH SCHEME

Source: CGHS

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Context

• The Union Health Ministry recently launched the myCGHS app for the iOS ecosystem, aimed at providing Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) beneficiaries with convenient access to essential healthcare features.
• Developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) Himachal Pradesh and NIC Health Team, the app marks a significant leap in enhancing healthcare services for CGHS beneficiaries.

Details

Key Features

• Booking and Cancellation of Online Appointments: Users can schedule and cancel appointments online, improving access to healthcare services.
• Download CGHS Card and Index Card: Beneficiaries can easily download their CGHS card and index card for quick reference.
• Access to Lab Reports: The app allows users to access lab reports from CGHS labs, facilitating efficient management of healthcare data.
• Check Medicine History: Users can review their medicine history, aiding in medication management.
• Medical Reimbursement Claim Status: Beneficiaries can track the status of their medical reimbursement claims, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Access Referral Details: The app provides access to referral details, streamlining the process of seeking specialized healthcare services.
• Locate Nearby Wellness Centers: Users can easily find nearby wellness centers, enhancing accessibility to primary healthcare services.
• Stay Updated with News and Highlights: The app keeps users informed with the latest news and highlights related to healthcare services.
• Locate Nearby Empanelled Hospitals, Labs, and Dental Units: Beneficiaries can locate nearby empanelled hospitals, labs, and dental units, facilitating easy access to healthcare facilities.
• Access Contact Details of Wellness Centers and Offices: Users can access contact details of wellness centers and offices for inquiries and assistance.

Security Features

• The myCGHS app prioritizes user data security with features like 2-factor authentication and mPIN functionality, ensuring confidentiality and integrity of users' data.

About Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)

• The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) provides comprehensive medical care to Central Government employees and pensioners enrolled under the scheme.
• CGHS caters to the healthcare needs of eligible beneficiaries across various sectors including the Legislature, Judiciary, Executive, and Press.
• CGHS is the primary healthcare facility provider for Central Government employees and pensioners, offering services in allopathic, homeopathic, and Indian systems of medicine.
• It covers approximately 42 lakh beneficiaries across 80 cities in India.
• CGHS is unique due to its large beneficiary base and open-ended approach to providing healthcare.

Eligibility for Joining CGHS:

• Central Government employees paid from the Central Civil Estimates (except Railways and Delhi Administration), along with their families residing in CGHS-covered areas.
• Pensioners of the Central Government (except those from Railways and Armed Forces) and their families.
• Central Government pensioners retiring with Contributory Provident Fund benefits, widows of Central Government pensioners, and Delhi Police personnel and their families in Delhi.
• Railway Board employees, civilian employees of defense paid from Defense Service Estimates, and child pensioners of deceased Central Government employees.
• Ex-Governors, Lt. Governors, Vice Presidents, Members of Parliament, and sitting/former Judges of Supreme Court and High Court of Delhi.
• Employees of semi-government and autonomous bodies receiving substantial grants from the Central Government, among others.

Facilities Available under CGHS:

• Outpatient treatment at Wellness Centers, including the issuance of medicines.
• Specialist consultation at Polyclinics, Government Hospitals, and CGHS empaneled hospitals after referral.
• OPD/Indoor treatment at Government and empaneled hospitals.
• Investigations at Government and empaneled diagnostic centers.
• Cashless facility for treatment in empaneled hospitals and diagnostic centers for pensioners and identified beneficiaries.
• Reimbursement of expenses for treatment availed in Government/Private Hospitals under emergency situations.
• Family welfare, maternity, child health services, and medical consultation in various systems of medicine (AYUSH).

Conclusion

• The launch of the myCGHS iOS app signifies a significant milestone in digital healthcare services within the Department of CGHS.
• By providing CGHS beneficiaries with convenient access to essential healthcare features, the app aligns with the government's vision of leveraging technology to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.

Sources:

PIB

VIKASPEDIA

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.  CGHS plays a crucial role in providing accessible and affordable healthcare to Central Government employees and pensioners across India.  Discuss. (150 Words)