CGHS introduced Online System for taking permissions for Health Devices for Govt Employees

In a significant move to simplify the approval process for life-saving respiratory devices, the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) has announced the transition to a fully online system for obtaining permissions for CPAP, BiPAP, and Oxygen Concentrators. This change aims to eliminate bureaucratic delays and cut down the approval timeline, which previously took 15 to 45 days.
The Directorate General of CGHS has issued an Office Memorandum outlining the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the digital process. This shift will help ensure that pensioner beneficiaries receive timely access to essential respiratory devices without unnecessary delays.
Old Process Was Time-Consuming and Cumbersome
Previously, CGHS beneficiaries had to go through a lengthy offline process to obtain permission for respiratory devices. The steps involved submitting physical documents at the Wellness Centre, sending them via dak to the Additional Director (Reimbursement and Hospitalization), forwarding them to the Committee of Respiratory Medicine Specialists for assessment, and then waiting for the final permission letter to be issued. This outdated process often led to weeks of delays, forcing pensioners to rent respiratory devices at their own expense while awaiting approval, as these rental costs were not reimbursable.
New Digital System to Speed Up Approvals
With the new online system, the entire approval process will now be faster and more efficient. Here’s how it will work:
- Submission of Application: Beneficiaries must submit a complete application at their respective Wellness Centre, ensuring that all required documents are included as per the checklist (Annexure A). The application forms (Annexures B, C, D, E) must also be properly filled out.
- Digital Processing: Instead of physically transporting the documents, the Wellness Centres will scan the applications and email them to the concerned Additional Director for processing.
- Scanners for Smooth Transition: To ensure a smooth transition, all Wellness Centres are being equipped with high-speed scanners. In areas where scanners are not yet available, physical documents will still be accepted, but they must be sent via dak within one or two days.
- Priority Review: The Additional Director’s office will prioritize the scrutiny of applications. If there are any issues or missing information, beneficiaries will be notified immediately via phone and email for corrections.
- Digital Upload: Once the application is complete, it will be uploaded into the CGHS eFile system. The eFile will be tagged with the beneficiary’s name and ID, ensuring all future approvals for the same beneficiary are linked to the same file.
- Tracking and Updates: An Excel tracker will be used to maintain details such as the eFile number, beneficiary information, device type, and approval status. This will allow for easy tracking of the application’s progress.
- Committee Review: The eFile will be sent to the CGHS Headquarters, where the Committee of Respiratory Medicine Specialists will review the application. Their recommendation will be uploaded digitally and forwarded to the Additional Director of the relevant city or zone.
- Digital Permission Letters: Instead of issuing physical letters, the permission letter will now be generated digitally through eOffice and signed electronically by the Additional Director. Beneficiaries will receive their approval or rejection via email, with an option to collect a physical copy if needed.
This digital transformation will not only streamline the approval process but also ensure that beneficiaries, especially pensioners, have quicker access to the respiratory devices they need for their health and well-being.