Those who are enlisted for CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) has reason to cheer. The government has included 40 private hospitals, nursing homes and diagnostic centres to its existing list spreading the reach of the service even wider. It will make life easier for CGHS and ECHS beneficiaries. (Introduced in April 2003, it is a medicare scheme for ex-servicemen.)
According to reports, the MD of ECHS has been intimated about the development. The Ministry of Defence that was preparing the formalities and rules have communicated the same to the managing director’s office for quick implementation. The hospitals included in the list have to abide by the charges finalised by the ministry.
Rates for treatment will be similar
These rates will be adjusted with the CGHS rates too. The implication: patients being treated under the ECHS in these hospitals, nursing homes and diagnostic centres will get similar rates which CGHS patients get at private hospitals. According to the rules, the cost of the treatment will be defrayed by the government to the beneficiaries.
Hospitals with the CGHS will need to provide a certificate of their CGHS status when they enter into any agreement with the ECHS. The status will remain valid till their CGHS accreditation remains active.
Two significant groups of beneficiaries
Also, the facilities offered by NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers) will also be associated with ECHS. This association, too, will be coterminous with the NABH accreditation.
The services rendered under the CGHS and ECHS are extremely important for two huge groups of Indian citizens. CGHS is meant for the employees of the Central government and their family members. It covers all employees of the government of India and the members in their families and dependents. On the other hand, ECHS has been designed to serve the needs of those who have jeopardised their lives for the country – the people who have retired from the armed forces and their family members. By the way ECHS has more hospitals in remote areas of the country, since a lot of ex servicemen originate from the remote areas, where normal health services are inadequate.
