CGHS Rules Changed for Central Government Employees; See Details
The Central Government has modified certain rules regarding the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). Under the new regulations, the geographical restriction affecting the eligibility of serving Central Government employees has been removed.
Previously, an employee's place of posting or residence could influence their eligibility for CGHS. Now, eligible employees can opt for CGHS after fulfilling the necessary conditions and paying the prescribed contribution. However, once the CGHS option is exercised, it cannot be changed later.
Employees opting for CGHS must also submit a written undertaking. They must confirm that neither they nor their eligible family members will simultaneously claim medical facilities under both CGHS and the Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944. The objective of this rule is to prevent individuals from availing the same type of medical facilities through two different government systems.
However, employees already posted or residing in areas where CGHS facilities are available will continue to remain covered under CGHS. They will not be permitted to opt out of CGHS to avail medical facilities under the CS(MA) Rules instead.
The government has also warned employees against providing incorrect or misleading information to avail medical benefits. Doing so could lead to departmental disciplinary action. The government may also recover the cost of medical facilities claimed fraudulently or incorrectly.
CGHS was launched in Delhi on July 1, 1954. It provides healthcare facilities to serving and retired Central Government employees and their eligible family members. The recent changes have expanded the scope for eligible employees to opt for CGHS while also implementing measures to prevent duplicate or fraudulent claims.