Question : Cashless Treatment in CGHS Empanelled Hospitals

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether empanelled private hospitals under CGHS are considering de-empanelling themselves from the scheme;

(b) if so, the manner in which this decision of such hospitals will affect the cashless services rendered by them to the CGHS beneficiaries;

(c) the specific reasons for such a move and the manner in which these are likely to be addressed;

(d) whether there is a demand to revise the rate list and if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether it is also a fact that the allocated funds were under-utilized and the reasons therefor; and

(f) the steps being taken to address the concern and inconvenience faced by the beneficiaries in detail including upgradation of facilities and timely payment of dues?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

(a) to (c): No such communication has been received by the Government from any CGHS empanelled private hospital. However, there were reports in the media that some organizations, which claim to represent private hospitals, have issued statements about pending hospital bills and likely disruption of credit facility.

(d): Representations have been received from stakeholders for revision of CGHS package rates.

(e) & (f): There is no underutilization of funds under Pension and Other Related Benefits (PORB) Head against which the expenditure on payment of hospital bills is booked.

Settling the claims of hospitals for providing credit facility for the services given to CGHS pensioner beneficiaries is a continuous process. Bills submitted by the hospitals are cleared on first come, first served basis. There is always some time lag between the submission of hospital bills and their actual payment. Government has released additional budget of ?1136 crore under PORB Head in Revised Estimates (RE) during current Financial year for settlement of Hospital Bills.