PAC members flag delay in formalising treatment methods in CGHS system

New Delhi: Members of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday raised concerns over the delay in formalising new treatment methods and medicines in the CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) system as well as not timely settling claims.

At a meeting of the panel, sources said the panel headed by senior Congress MP KC Venugopal also told authorities to immediately update the rates for medical procedures and other related issues to make it more attractive to private hospitals, which are leaving the scheme.

The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), started in 1954 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aims to provide comprehensive medical care to the central government employees, pensioners and their dependents among others. It provides medical care facilities to 38.50 lakh beneficiaries in 74 cities through 331 wellness centres.

Sources said the MPs told the officials that there should not be delay in drug formulary so that the procurement process could take into account the newer drugs prescribed by doctors. They pointed out to the audit observations that the revision of drug formulary of June 2015 took place only in February 2022, leading to newer drugs prescribed by doctors not being procured.

The MPs were of the view that new treatment methods were not covered under the scheme. They also said the delay in the procurement process also acted against the interests of those having illness like cancer, sources said.

The lawmakers also highlighted that there is delay in bill reimbursement.

Sources said MPs further spoke about hospitals not getting empanelled with the CGHS owing to low pricing and urged that there should be timely revision.