HEALTHCARE

CGHS patients can now seek OPD services at private hospitals

Littmann-stethoscope (File) Representational image

Here's some good news for patients seeking treatment under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). In a bid to "simplify" the process of getting treatment under CGHS, the Union ministry of health and family welfare has said beneficiaries can now be referred to specialists at private hospitals for OPD consultation. These private hospitals would be those empanelled under the government's health scheme.

The patients would get this benefit after being referred by the medical officer of a CGHS wellness centre, a new order released by the ministry has said. The move is in the backdrop of the ministry receiving representations for simplification of procedure for CGHS beneficiaries seeking treatment at private hospitals.

However, the ministry's order also said after consultation at the private hospital, the beneficiary would need to report back to the wellness centre, where the medical officer would endorse the investigations, and issue medicines as per guidelines.

According to the order, in the case of treatment procedures that are listed under the scheme, the ministry has also decided to do away with the requirement of a referral letter. The advice of the Central or state government specialist would be valid for three months, and no other permission letter is required, the order said. Currently, patients first go to a CGHS dispensary, from where they are sent to a bigger government hospital. The formalities for referral to a government hospital begin at this stage and can often be tedious.

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Topics : #Healthcare

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