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CENTRAL GOVERNMENT HEALTH SCHEME

5th April, 2024

CENTRAL GOVERNMENT HEALTH SCHEME

Source: CGHS

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

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)