Question : MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT

(a) whether considerable delays are caused by DGHS in reimbursement of medical claims of retired Government employees causing immense hardships to them;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether complaints have been received in this regard including from the Members of Parliament;

(d) if so, the action taken by the Government in the matter;

(e) the number of reimbursement of medical claims filed before September 10, 2003 still pending with the DGHS;

(f) the reasons for delay; and

(g) the time by which all medical claims are likely to be cleared?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)

(a) & (b) No, Sir. The medical reimbursement claims of CGHS pensioner beneficiaries are cleared within 4 to 6 weeks` time except in those cases which involve relaxation of rules; require the opinion of the Expert Committee; or in the event of budgetary constraints.

(c) Some complaints were received in the recent past for early settlement of the medical claims of CGHS beneficiaries.

(d) The necessary follow-up action has been taken by settling all the said medical claims.

(e) None of the medical claims of CGHS beneficiaries pertaining to the period prior to 10.9.2003 are pending with the DGHS.

(f) & (g) The positions has already been explained in reply to (a) & (b) above.