There is good news for central government employees. The government has expanded the services under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).
Now, central government employees can receive medical treatment in 40 private hospitals, nursing homes, and diagnostic centers.
These hospitals have been added to the government’s list, and the cost of treatment will be covered by the government later.
Importantly, the rates for these services will be the same for employees under both CGHS and ECHS. This decision was made during a recent screening committee meeting.
40 Private Hospitals Added to CGHS and ECHS Panel
The ECHS Managing Director has received formal orders to include 40 new hospitals, nursing homes, and diagnostic centers in the panel.
This decision was made according to Ministry of Defense guidelines, ensuring hospital and treatment services are available to ECHS beneficiaries.
With these additions, central government employees now have access to a wider range of healthcare services.
Affordable Treatment for All Employees
All the hospitals and diagnostic centers in the panel must follow the conditions set by the Ministry of Defense, which includes regulated service rates.
cost of treatment will be based on the rates approved by the list committee and aligned with CGHS rates.
This means that employees under ECHS will pay the same rates as CGHS beneficiaries when treated at private hospitals. The list of these 40 hospitals has been included in CGHS as well.
Hospital List and Accreditation
Hospitals already empanelled under CGHS must provide proof of their status when signing agreements with ECHS.
The CGHS accreditation will remain valid as long as the certification is active and can be renewed. Additionally, services accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals
and Healthcare Providers (NABH) will be empanelled with ECHS, valid for the duration of their certification. This move aims to improve healthcare access and quality for ECHS beneficiaries.
Difference Between CGHS and ECHS
While both CGHS and ECHS are health schemes provided by the Government of India, they serve different groups. CGHS caters to central government employees
and their families, while ECHS is designed for retired military personnel and their dependents. ECHS has a larger number of panel hospitals, including those in remote areas.
