The Union Health Ministry has agreed to update the central government health system (CGHS) package pricing for all beneficiaries and to simplify the referral procedure for the benefit of employees. Officials stated that the change was carried out for the first time since 2014 to keep hospitals supplying the services. Many private hospitals requested to withdraw from the CGHS panel since the prices had not been revised since 2014.

According to an official release, OPD charges have been raised from Rs 150 to Rs 350, while IPD consultation fees have been raised from Rs 300 to Rs 350. The daily tariff for ICU services has been set at Rs 5,400, which includes all ward entitlements. Rents for hospital rooms have also been reduced. The cost for a common room has been increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500, the rent for a semi-private ward has been raised from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000, and the rate for a private room has been raised from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,500. The government would incur additional costs ranging from Rs 240 crore to Rs 300 crore due to the action.

A senior ministry official, the government has suggested initially altering the CGHS package prices of consultation fees, ICU charges, and room rent following an analysis of stakeholder concerns and considering the growth in expenses of various components of healthcare. The CGHS referral procedure has also been streamlined.

 Previously, CGHS beneficiaries had to physically visit the CGHS Wellness Centre to be sent to a hospital. A CGHS beneficiary can now send a representative to the wellness center with the necessary documentation to be sent to a hospital.

(Source:  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/government-revises-cghs-package-rates-to-retain-hospital-services/articleshow/99445258.cms