Launch of Revamped Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)

Launch of Revamped Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)

Part of: GS Prelims and GS -II – Health 

In news

• Revamped Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Umbrella schemes of Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) and Discretionary Grant (HMDG) on National Health Authority (NHA)’s IT platform were recently launched. 
• Ministry: Ministry of Health
• Objective: For providing cashless, paperless and citizen-centric services.

Key takeaways 

Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS):

• It is a comprehensive Health Scheme for Serving Employees, Pensioners, Members of Parliament, ex-MPs, etc., and their dependent family members.
• During the last 7 years it has expanded to 72 Cities. 
• E-referral module developed by NIC has enabled CGHS dispensaries and wellness centres to issue online referral to empanelled hospitals.

Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN)

• Under RAN, financial assistance up to Rs 15 lakhs is provided to poor patients suffering from major life-threatening diseases for treatment at Government hospitals.
• The eligibility criteria to avail services under RAN had been based on State/UT-wise BPL threshold. 

Health Minister’s Discretionary Grant (HMDG)

• Under HMDG a maximum amount of Rs.1.25 lakhs is provided to patients whose annual income is less than Rs.1.25 lakhs. 
• Beneficiaries can apply for financial assistance under both schemes by providing their Ration card number