Latest news with #CentralGovernmentHealthScheme
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Private hospitals seek 1 per cent interest on delayed Ayushman scheme reimbursements
NEW DELHI: Over two months after its formal launch, the Ayushman Bharat scheme is struggling to gain traction among the city's private hospitals. Major healthcare institutions such as Fortis, Gangaram, Max, Apollo, and BLK continue to stay away from the scheme, citing unresolved legacy issues, including low reimbursement rates and persistent delays in payments. Since its rollout on April 10, only 26 new healthcare facilities have joined the scheme. Officials have confirmed that, of the total 93 empanelled hospitals, 67 were already conducting procedures prior to the formal launch. With more than 1,200 private hospitals operating in the capital, the numbers reflect a lack of enthusiasm that healthcare experts attribute to both structural and financial shortcomings. In a letter to the Delhi government, the Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI) has demanded amendments to the scheme's terms. The body, representing a large section of private hospitals, has urged the government to include a clause for 1 percent interest on bills that remain unpaid beyond 30 days. According to them, the demand is aimed at ensuring accountability among officials responsible for processing reimbursements. 'If the government assures payments within a month, mid-size hospitals can consider joining. But for larger hospitals, the current rates are simply not viable. If payments are delayed, a 1 percent interest must be added to compel timely disbursement and maintain pressure on officials,' said Dr Girdhar J Gyani, Director General of AHPI. Doctors also pointed out that the scheme's reimbursement rates are just 30 to 40 per cent of prevailing market costs and are even lower than the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rates, which have not been revised since 2014. Many hospitals have also flagged pending dues under the Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK) scheme introduced by the previous AAP government. 'My payment of `60 lakh is still stuck under DAK,' said Dr Narin Sehgal, owner of Sehgal Neo Hospital. He said the compensation offered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme barely covers operating costs. 'The government must act promptly to release outstanding dues if it expects the participation of private hospitals. Past experiences in other states show how delayed payments have hampered implementation, and Delhi seems no different,' added Sehgal, who also serves as Secretary of the AHPI's Delhi Chapter.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Sadar offering CT-scan on prescriptions from private docs
1 2 Ranchi: People carrying prescriptions from private doctors can also avail Computed Tomography Scan (CT) at a nominal charge of Rs 1,035 at Sadar hospital. The move is aimed to offer financial relief to patients, especially from low-income families, officials said. Since its launch on June 10, the modern diagnostic facility equipped with a 128-slice CT scan machine has seen a surge in footfall, with many patients reporting that they had long delayed the test due to high charges at private centres. Under public-private partnership (PPP) model, the service is being managed by Krishna Diagnostics. The initiative ensures that both Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries and non-Ayushman patients have access to affordable imaging services. While tests are free for Ayushman cardholders, others are charged as per Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rates Rs 1,035 for CT scans and Rs 1,662 for MRIs. Ranchi civil surgeon, Dr Prabhat Kumar, said, " Patients no longer need referrals from government doctors. Anyone can walk in with any valid prescription from a private practitioner, register at the counter, and get the test done with no additional approval needed. For many, this flexibility has been transformative. Shanti Devi, a resident of Morabadi, said, "My father was asked to get a CT scan. Private labs quoted Rs 4,200, which we couldn't afford. At Sadar, we paid Rs 1,035, and everything was managed professionally. It was a huge relief." Another patient, Ashok Kumar from Lalpur, said, "I was hesitant to get the scan done due to cost. But when I heard that it's available at just Rs 1,035 at Sadar even on a private doctor's prescription, I didn't wait. The machine is modern, and the staff was very supportive." Sunita Kumari, a domestic worker who brought her 10-year-old son for a scan, said, "Earlier, I would've had to borrow money or skip the test. Now, I got it done at a cost we could manage. This is real help for people like us." Additionally, the hospital will start Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) services at affordable rates for all patients, including those with prescriptions from private doctors. The service is expected to begin next week.
Hindustan Times
22-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
PMC to set up city's first govt-run PET scan centre at Sarasbaug
In a first for the city, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will soon set up a PET scan facility to provide advanced cancer screening and diagnostic services at affordable rates. The facility will come up in a 10,000 sq ft standalone building at Kala Dalan in the Sarasbaug area, where a full-fledged diagnostic centre is being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, said the officials on Sunday. Spread across two floors; the structure is designed for isolation and advanced diagnostics, ensuring that patient screening is conducted in a safe and dedicated environment, said officials. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO) According to PMC officials, this will be the first PET scan facility under a government initiative in the entire Pune district, as no such equipment currently exists even in district hospitals. Spread across two floors; the structure is designed for isolation and advanced diagnostics, ensuring that patient screening is conducted in a safe and dedicated environment, they said. 'This will be Pune's first government-run PET scan centre. It will provide high-end diagnostic tests like PET scans, MRI, and CT scans accessible to poor and middle-class citizens. It is a major public health initiative,' said Dr Sanjeev Wavare, assistant health officer of PMC. According to officials, the facility will be made available at Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rates. Dr Nina Borade, PMC health chief, said, 'This initiative ensures that even the poorest patient has access to high-end diagnostic services. We are bridging the gap where the government previously had no such facility in the entire district,' she added. Health activists and citizens have welcomed the move, calling it a 'much-needed step' in a city where advanced diagnostics are largely dominated by expensive private setups.
India.com
18-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
CGHS Rule Change 2025: 10 Things That Govt Employees Want To Know About
photoDetails english 2917676 Updated:Jun 18, 2025, 11:18 AM IST CGHS Rule Change 2025 1 / 11 The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launch next-generation Health Management Information System (HMIS) for Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) beneficiaries. The comprehensive digital platform has gone live from 28th April 2025. Here are 10 things that govt employees want to know about CGHS Rule Change in 2025. 1. PAN-Based Unique Identification of Beneficiaries 2 / 11 • Every beneficiary will now be mapped to a unique PAN-based identifier. This will eliminate duplication of records and help in streamlining the validation process for entitlements. 2. Integrated Digital Verification & Contribution Tracking 3 / 11 • Contribution payments will now be auto-verified through direct integration (Line of Business Application Integration) with Bharat Kosh. There will be no manual choosing of options, entry of details on Bharat Kosh portal which shall eliminate errors and refund issues. 3. Pre-payment Scrutiny of Applications 4 / 11 • New system enables scrutiny and approval of card applications before the payment stage. This ensures that applicants are guided regarding eligibility and contribution amount before making a payment. 4. Online Card Modification Services 5 / 11 • Services like card transfers, change in dependent status, and category change (Serving to Pensioner, etc.) can now be initiated and completed entirely online. 5. Real-Time Application Tracking and Alerts 6 / 11 • The system will generate SMS and email alerts at each stage of application processing. This increases transparency and reduces in-person follow-ups. 6. Mandatory Password Reset and Secure Access 7 / 11 • All existing users will be prompted to reset their passwords on first login. This is being enforced as a cyber hygiene measure in accordance with MeitY security advisories. 7. DDO/PAO-Based Department Identification 8 / 11 • Department identity will be verified using Pay and Accounts Office (PAO) and Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) codes, as indicated in employee salary slips. This ensures backend mapping of sponsoring authorities. 8. Mobile Application Relaunch (Android & iOS) 9 / 11 • The official CGHS mobile apps have been re-developed and now offer an enhanced beneficiary experience with: 9. Access to Digital CGHS Card 10 / 11 Real-time status tracking E-referrals and appointment scheduling (where applicable) Integrated contact with Helpdesk and AD Offices Legacy System Deactivation and Website Migration 10. discontinued from April 28 11 / 11 28 April onwards, CGHS Contribution shall be only through CGHS Website i.e. The existing manual process of payment available on has been discontinued from 28th April 2025.
NDTV
13-06-2025
- Business
- NDTV
8th Pay Commission Salary Hike: Expected Impact And Latest Updates
The Central government has already announced the formation of the 8th Pay Commission, which will revise salaries and pensions for central government employees and pensioners. The commission's recommendations are expected to benefit around 45 lakh employees and 68 lakh pensioners. A key aspect of the pay commission is the fitment factor, which determines the extent of salary and pension increases. The fitment factor is applied to an employee's existing basic pay to calculate their new basic pay under 8th Pay Commission. Here are the key highlights of the 8th Pay Commission: Approval & Implementation: Announced on January 17, 2025. Effective from January 1, 2026. Commission formation and report submission to precede implementation. Beneficiaries: Approximately 49 lakh employees and 65 lakh pensioners. Fitment Factor & Salary Hike: Expected fitment factor: 2.6 to 2.85. Anticipated salary increase: 25-30%. Example: Basic pay of Rs 20,000 may rise to Rs 46,600-Rs 57,200. Pension Revisions: Minimum pension could increase from Rs 9,000 to Rs 22,500-Rs 25,200. Proportional hikes aligned with salary revisions. Historical Context: The 7th Pay Commission implemented in 2016 with a 2.57 fitment factor. The 6th Pay Commission in 2006 had a 1.86 fitment factor. The 5th Pay Commission was declared in April 1994 and established in June 1994. Impact on NPS and CGHS Contributions (Estimated) National Pension System (NPS) Contributions: Government employees contribute 10% of their basic pay and dearness allowance (DA) to NPS, while the government contributes 14%. These contributions will increase following salary revisions. Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS): Charges under CGHS will be updated based on revised salary levels.
