Rules, Rights & Rites -83
I usually post all important items related to official rulings, union news, and other general matters on my YouTube channels: Yourskayveeyes (English) and Anbudan Kayveeyes (Tamil).
However, due to the recent spate of orders and the high volume of information being received, I have not been able to convert every item into a video. Therefore, I am introducing these new slots to post current matters and updates that have not yet been published on YouTube. This ensures you stay informed on every detail, even if a video hasn't been made yet …………….Kayveeyes
8th Pay Commission: Govt to replace CGHS with a new healthcare scheme for central employees?
• The CGHS is a healthcare scheme by the Indian government that provides comprehensive medical care to central government employees, pensioners, and their dependents.
• The last three pay commissions had recommended the introduction of a new healthcare scheme. Despite the government’s interest, the scheme has not been implemented yet.
• The CGHS’s reach is limited and its facility is not available everywhere. For this reason, the earlier pay commissions felt that there is a need for a comprehensive and practical healthcare scheme.
• The 6th Pay Commission recommended that an optional healthcare scheme be introduced, in which employees can join at their own will, provided they pay the fixed contribution. It also recommended making the scheme compulsory for all new employees joining in future.
• The panel also said that medical cover should be extended to those retiring after the scheme is implemented.
• The 7th Pay Commission clearly stated that health insurance is the most suitable option for providing long-term and better medical protection to all employees, pensioners and their families.
• The pay panel strongly recommended the implementation of a healthcare scheme for central government employees and pensioners. Till the scheme is implemented, the commission made an important suggestion for pensioners who are outside the ambit of CGHS.
• It said that CGHS should empanel hospitals which are already under CS(MA) or ECHS so that these pensioners can avail cashless treatment.
• For this, the administrative capacity of the nearest CGHS centres will have to be strengthened. This step can address the grievances of these pensioners pending for years to a large extent.
• In January 2025, reports surfaced that the Health Ministry might replace CGHS with an insurance-based scheme. The proposed scheme would be named – Central Government Employees and Pensioners Health Insurance Scheme (CGEPHIS).
• This scheme can be implemented through insurance companies registered with the insurance regulatory body IRDAI. However, there has been no official confirmation from the government yet.
• This news appeared in the Financial Express dated 10.4.2025
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