8th Pay Commission: Demand Raised for Pan-India Cashless CGHS Treatment Facility for CG Employees and Pensioners
Demand Raised Before 8th Pay Commission for Comprehensive Cashless CGHS Treatment Facility
A major representation has been submitted before the 8th Central Pay Commission seeking the introduction of a comprehensive pan-India cashless treatment facility for serving Central Government employees and pensioners under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).
The proposal was submitted by Shri Vilas Ingale, Retired ADPS (A&V), Foreign Post Office Mumbai and former General Secretary of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendent Posts.
In his detailed representation addressed to the Hon’ble Chairperson of the 8th Central Pay Commission, he highlighted the hardships currently faced by CGHS beneficiaries despite mandatory monthly CGHS subscription deductions from salaries and pensions.
Issues Highlighted in the Representation
1. Limited Empanelment of Hospitals
The representation points out that the number of private hospitals empanelled under CGHS is inadequate, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Due to limited availability of empanelled hospitals, employees and pensioners often struggle to access quality treatment near their place of residence.
2. Delays in Prior Permission Process
For non-emergency treatments, prior approval from CGHS authorities is mandatory. According to the representation, this procedure is often time-consuming and impractical during medical emergencies or urgent treatment situations.
3. Reimbursement Difficulties
The existing reimbursement mechanism was also criticised for causing financial and mental hardship. Key concerns include:
Reimbursement mainly allowed only in emergency cases
Requirement of submitting Emergency Certificates
Claims being partially reduced or rejected on technical grounds
Objections related to proximity of Government hospitals
The representation states that employees are frequently forced to bear substantial medical expenses from personal savings.
Proposal Submitted to 8th Pay Commission
The memorandum strongly requested the 8th Central Pay Commission to recommend:
“Comprehensive Pan-India Cashless Treatment Facility”
The proposal seeks:
Cashless treatment for serving employees and pensioners
Facility in all CGHS empanelled and recognised hospitals
Hassle-free treatment without upfront payment burden
Uniform healthcare access across India
The representation further suggested that the facility may be implemented on the lines of healthcare facilities already available to Members of Parliament and other dignitaries.
Benefits Expected from the Proposal
According to the memorandum, implementation of a universal cashless healthcare facility would:
Reduce financial burden during emergencies
Ensure timely treatment
Minimise reimbursement disputes
Improve ease of living for employees and pensioners
Boost morale of serving and retired Government employees
The proposal emphasised that lakhs of Central Government employees and pensioners who dedicated their lives to public service deserve a more employee-friendly healthcare system.
Appeal to 8th Central Pay Commission
The representation concluded with an earnest request to the 8th Central Pay Commission to consider the long-pending demand favourably in the larger interest of health and welfare of Central Government employees and pensioners across the country.
The issue is expected to receive significant attention from employee unions, pensioner associations, and CGHS beneficiaries in the coming months.