Question : CGHS DISPENSARIES IN BACKWARD AREAS

(a) whether the Government proposes to open additional number of Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) dispensaries in the backward areas of the country during the current Five Year Plan including Ernakulam in Kerala;

(b) if so, the location-wise, State-wise details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has received proposals from the State Governments including the Government of Madhya Pradesh for setting up of CGHS dispensaries at all the district headquarters;

(d) if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and

(e) the action taken/proposed on each of these proposals and the time by which the pending proposals are likely to be approved?

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a) to (e): Norms have been fixed for the extension of CGHS to a new city and for the opening of a new dispensary in an existing CGHS city. The main criteria is the number of serving Central Government employees and central civil pensioners likely to be covered in an area. The concept of opening of a dispensary in a backward area or in all district headquarters is not part of the criteria. However, due to resource constraints, CGHS is unable to expand its area of coverage. Serving Central Government employees, residing in areas not covered by the CGHS can avail health benefits under Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944. Central Civil Pensioners residing in areas not covered by the CGHS can get a pensioner CGHS card from the nearest CGHS city and get medical treatment in hospitals set up by Central Government /State Governments /Municipal bodies, Hospitals recognised under Central Services (Medical attendance) Rules, 1944 and hospitals recognised under the Ex-Serviceman Comprehensive Health Scheme (ECHS).