Major Boost for Central Govt Employees: CGHS & ECHS Services Expanded with New Hospitals and Revised Rates!
Major Boost for Central Govt Employees: CGHS & ECHS Services Expanded with New Hospitals and Revised Rates!
There’s good news for central government employees and ex-servicemen. The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) has added 40 new private hospitals and diagnostic centers to its network, giving more healthcare options. These rates will now align with the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) guidelines.
This update came from the 69th Screening Committee Meeting on May 24, 2024. A formal order has been issued to the Managing Director of ECHS, following the Ministry of Defence’s guidelines. These new facilities will offer various medical treatments to ECHS members.
All these empanelled hospitals and diagnostic centers must follow the Ministry of Defence’s rules, including pricing. The rates will match those of the CGHS, as approved by the Empowered Committee.
Hospitals that are already empanelled with CGHS must show proof when signing agreements with ECHS. These agreements will remain valid as long as the CGHS accreditation is active and can be renewed. Similarly, facilities accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) can be empanelled, with their agreements renewed upon revalidation.
This expansion aims to improve healthcare services for ECHS members, offering them more choices and ensuring high-quality care.
Difference between CGHS and ECHS:
- The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) is for civilian central government employees, both active and retired, along with their dependents.
- The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) is specifically for retired Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel and their dependents.
ECHS has more hospitals in its network, including facilities in remote areas, compared to CGHS.