(a) whether Rs. 100/-p.m. is being paid as medical allowance to the Central Government pensioners in lieu of Government healthcare facilities since 1997;
(b) if so, whether this amount is adequate for the hilly and remote areas where health care facilities are very costly;
(c) if not, whether the Government proposes to increase this allowance; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS.(SHRI SURESH PACHOURI)
(a): Based on the recommendations of the Fifth Central Pay Commission, the Government of India, during December, 1997, introduced the scheme of payment of Fixed Medical Allowance of Rs. 100/- (Rupees One hundred only) on monthly basis to those Central Government pensioners and family pensioners residing in areas not covered by Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) administered by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and corresponding health schemes administered by other Ministries/Departments for their retired employees for meeting expenditure on day-to-day medical expenses that do not require hospitalisation.
(b): The Fifth Central Pay Commission did not make any distinction between the normal and hilly & remote areas while making recommendation referred to in part (a) above.
(c) & (d): There is no proposal at present to increase this allowance.