New CGHS guidelines issued! In a major move to streamline the approval process for some essential services about respiratory devices, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has announced a complete transition to an online system for processing permissions related to CPAP, BiPAP, and oxygen concentrators under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).
The new system aims to expedite approvals and provide relief to beneficiaries by reducing paperwork and enhancing efficiency.
Fully online process for faster approvals
According to the Health Ministry’s latest directive, “It has been decided to transition the processing of permission for such devices, to an end-to-end online mode.”
Under this new process, CGHS beneficiaries must now submit their applications digitally at the Wellness Centre. These applications must include all necessary documents, such as the duly filled proforma and an affidavit, available on the CGHS website.
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Steps for submitting applications
Beneficiaries must scan and email their complete application package, as per Annexure A, to the Office of the concerned Additional Director of their Zone or city.
If high-speed scanners are unavailable at the Wellness Centre, physical documents will be sent via post within one or two days.
Additional directors are instructed to procure high-speed scanners for all wellness centres to facilitate quicker processing.
E-file system for record maintenance
To ensure transparency and efficiency, the ministry has mandated that all applications be processed through an electronic file system. “The subject matter of efile shall include the name of the beneficiary and the Beneficiary ID. All respiratory devices henceforth issued to the particular beneficiary shall be put up in the same efile.” This will help in maintaining a digital record of permissions and tracking the status of approvals.
Additionally, an Excel sheet containing details such as the efile number, beneficiary ID, and permission details will be maintained for better tracking.
Approval process and committee recommendations
Once the application is received, the concerned section at the Additional Director’s office will scrutinize it for any deficiencies. Any issues will be communicated to the beneficiary the same day via phone and email. Completed applications will then be forwarded to the Committee of Respiratory Medicine Specialists for review.
“The recommendation of the Committee shall be uploaded in efile and sent back to CGHS HQ and subsequently to the concerned Additional Director of the city/Zone.”
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