CGHS enhances financial powers of officials to expedite medical treatment and claims
The Union Health Ministry has significantly enhanced the financial powers of senior Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) officials to expedite medical treatment and reimbursement. This move aims to reduce delays in approving cashless treatment, settling medical claims, and sanctioning unlisted investigations/procedures. Additional directors heading CGHS cities and zones can now sanction up to ₹15 lakh, directors up to ₹25 lakh, and Additional Secretary and DG up to ₹50 lakh for medical reimbursement. The changes are expected to particularly benefit pensioners and elderly beneficiaries, who often require costly tertiary care, by reducing the need for referrals to higher authorities and addressing common grievances.
Key Points
- The Union Health Ministry has substantially increased the financial powers of senior CGHS officials.
- This enhancement aims to reduce delays in medical treatment approvals and reimbursement claims for beneficiaries.
- Officials can now approve higher-value cases for cashless treatment, medical reimbursement, and unlisted investigations/procedures.
- The changes are particularly expected to benefit pensioners and elderly beneficiaries, who constitute a significant share of CGHS users.
- The revised delegation of powers will streamline decision-making and reduce administrative grievances.
Exam Facts
- The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) is under the Union Health Ministry.
- Additional directors heading CGHS cities and zones can now sanction up to ₹15 lakh (previously ₹7 lakh).
- Directors' approval power increased from ₹15 lakh to ₹25 lakh.
- Additional Secretary and DG, CGHS, have a revised financial approval power of ₹50 lakh (previously ₹25 lakh).
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