CGHS New Rules: The government has made new rules for CGHS cardholders. Now no private hospital can refuse treatment to CGHS cardholders and members. They cannot be given lower category hospital beds. Also, you cannot charge above the rate card given by the government. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued new guidelines to resolve complaints of overcharging and denial of service from Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) beneficiaries. The objective of these instructions is to provide accurate, affordable and transparent health services to CGHS beneficiaries.
Government changed rules for CGHS beneficiaries
1. Compulsory treatment
CGHS-empaneled hospitals cannot deny treatment to any eligible beneficiary. The Health Ministry clarified that all services will be provided without any discrimination.
2. Transparency in cost and service
It will be necessary for hospitals to provide information related to treatment at prominent places. The rates of CGHS are mentioned in this. Status of beds available in wards and ICU. It will be necessary for the beneficiaries to provide information about the prescribed ward category. Hospitals will not be able to provide lower categories. It will be prohibited for hospitals to do so. It will be necessary to provide the hospital’s empanelment city, credit eligibility and contact information to the nodal officer.
3. Mandatory reporting
Hospitals will have to report emergency cases, non-referral cases and direct visits and admissions of beneficiaries above 70 years of age within 24 hours to the concerned Additional Director of CGHS through email. Unreported cases will not be accepted.
4. Accountability in serious matters
In case of death or coma of the patient, it will be mandatory for the hospital to give the signatures and contact details of the attendants of the beneficiary on the final bill.
5. Rules of Prescription
The prescription must use only generic names and must be written in capital letters. Hospitals cannot be forced to purchase any particular brand.
6. For expensive treatment, permission will have to be taken first.
For expensive treatments, hospitals will have to take prior permission. So that, unnecessary or excessive charges can be avoided.
7. There will be punishment for not following the rules
Hospitals that do not follow the guidelines may face penalties, including removal from the CGHS network. These new guidelines will help in protecting the rights of CGHS beneficiaries and providing them affordable and transparent treatment services.