The Central Government Health Scheme has undergone a major upgrade. In a move to make medical treatment more accessible and less burdensome, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has introduced several reforms to the CGHS system. These changes are designed to support elderly and critically ill beneficiaries while also simplifying hospital procedures.
One of the biggest pain points under the old system was the requirement of uploading geo-tagged photos daily for patients admitted under inpatient care. This rule had become a source of difficulty for hospitals and patients alike, especially for long stays. Recognizing the challenge, the ministry has issued a one-time waiver for past cases and revised the guidelines moving forward.
Now, for inpatient cases with a valid referral, no geo-tagged photos are required at all. Hospitals simply need to upload the referral on the National Health Authority (NHA) portal. In cases of emergency admissions, patients above the age of 70, or follow-up admissions, only two geo-tagged photos are required one at admission and one at discharge. For hospitalizations lasting more than a week, an additional photo is required every seventh day. These must be taken in the ward or ICU and can be uploaded via mobile or tablet, with each image not exceeding 1 MB.
In outpatient cases, photo requirements have also been relaxed. If a referral is present, no photo is necessary. However, for walk-in patients who are elderly, bedridden, or revisiting for follow-ups, a photo must still be submitted within 24 hours.
In another important update, the government has taken steps to enhance physiotherapy services under CGHS. During a recent parliamentary session, it was confirmed that recruitment for physiotherapists at CGHS Wellness Centers has been accelerated. As of now, only one post remains vacant in these facilities. Five physiotherapists are currently deployed at the Parliament House Medical Center, on deputation from top hospitals like Safdarjung and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia.
CGHS beneficiaries can now avail physiotherapy treatment from any government hospital or empaneled private facility. For those unable to travel, the government continues to provide home-based physiotherapy services under its long-standing 2011 guidelines. This is a crucial step for patients who need care but are restricted by age or critical illness.
Together, these updates reflect a more compassionate and practical approach by the Health Ministry. They remove unnecessary hurdles in the treatment process and offer much-needed relief for vulnerable groups, especially senior citizens and patients facing serious health issues. Hospitals also benefit from clearer and simpler operational protocols.
The CGHS remains a vital health support system for government employees and pensioners. Staying informed about these changes will help beneficiaries receive uninterrupted treatment and access all available services without confusion or delay.
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