Govt hikes rent, consultation fees in CGHS hospitals

Recent changes include doubling of outpatient department charges from 150 350 and by increasing the Inpatient Department (IPD) consultation fee. 50, setting IPD rates at 350.

ICU services are now scheduled at 5,400 per day including accommodation.

Room rent increased one and a half times 1,500 for standard rooms, 3,000 for semi-private wards, and 4,500 for private rooms. Changes will require additional government spending 240-300 crores.

CGHS acts as the primary healthcare provider for Central Government employees, pensioners and select beneficiary groups as well as their dependents.

Through the scheme over 4.2 million registered beneficiaries can get subsidized treatment in private hospitals.

This amendment is the first such change since 2014. The government’s inaction has led to several big corporate hospitals threatening to withdraw from CGHS services. Peppermint First reported the story on February 23.

“We held a series of discussions with CGHS stakeholders as the package rates were not revised since 2014. In addition, there were several reports that the CGHS empaneled hospitals were trying to shut down the services. Therefore, the health ministry has now revised the package rates so that many big hospitals can be connected to this platform and the beneficiaries can get the benefit.”

The government has also simplified referral procedures for major hospitals.

“Earlier, the CGHS beneficiaries had to visit the CGHS wellness center to get referral to the hospital. To avoid those hassles- now a beneficiary can take referral over video call,” said an official.

Over 1,670 private hospitals and 213 laboratories are currently empaneled under CGHS, including leading private chains such as Medanta, Fortis, Narayana, Apollo, Max and Manipal Hospitals.

Commenting on the government’s move, Dr Girdhar Gyani, CGHS working group coordinator for private healthcare providers, said, “This is only a symbolic move and a partial revision in the CGHS price. There are 1,736 processes. There is no mention of them. We were expecting 25-30% hike as these have remained unchanged since 2014.”

CGHS is spread across 79 cities and is expanding to Panchkula, Hubli, Narela, Chandigarh and Jammu. More than 103 AYUSH centers are also part of CGHS service. In 2021, the Health Ministry will integrate CGHS with the National Health Authority’s IT platform to streamline health services for eligible beneficiaries.