INCOME TAX PENSIONERS FEDERATION.

A2/95 RAJOURI GARDEN

MANISHINATH BHAWAN

NEW DELHI. 110 027.

Website: itpfchq.blogspot.com.

Email: itpfchq@gmail.com.

Dated: 17^th May, 2019.

Dear Comrades,

                Though we had decided that the National Executive and Sectt. of the Federation need meet only at Baroda just prior to the all India Conference, it is now proposed to hold the Sectt. meeting at New Delhi on 20^th June, 2019.  The notice for the meeting is enclosed.  The NCCPA to which the ITPF is affiliated will be holding their all India Conference in the month of November, 2019.  The Baroda unit has expressed that they might require some more time, as the Secretary was taken ill recently and the preliminary work in connection with the conference could not be undertaken.  In the meantime, the government indicated that they would be willing to implement the Supreme Court judgements which has reached finality in respect of all similarly placed persons.  The NCCPA has decided to go ahead with the case before the Principal Bench of the Tribunal in respect of non-implementation of Option No. 1. All affiliates have been requested to collect donations for fighting the case in the court.  In view of these developments, it has been decided to hold a meeting of the Sectt. at New Delhi on 20 th.  All office bearers are requested to attend the meeting. 

                The Circular letters issued by the NCCPA, after the Fast Dharna programme at Delhi and after the meeting with the Secretary, (Health) on 16.5.2019 are enclosed for information of our members.  Enclosed is also the Notice for the Sectt. meeting at Delhi on 20^th June, 2019. 

                With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

K.K.N. Kutty

Secretary General.

INCOME TAX PENSIONERS FEDERATION.

A2/95 RAJOURI GARDEN

MANISHINATH BHAWAN

NEW DELHI. 110 027.

NOTICE

DATED; 17^th May, 2019

Notice is hereby given for a meeting of the National Secretariat of the ITPF at A/2/95 Rajouri Garden, New Delhi. On 20^th June, 2019 at 10.30 AM.     The following agenda will be discussed.   The meeting is expected to be concluded on the same day.  .

1.          Review of the decision taken at the Chennai meeting.

2.          Reporting of the discussion at the National Council meeting held on 13.4.2019 and the meeting with the Secretary (Health) held on 16.5.2019.

3.          The CGHS issues and the progress thereon.  

4.          Organisational development at different affiliate’s levels including registration.

5.          Finance.

6.          Ensuing All India Conference and the preparation thereof. 

7.          Journal subscription

8.          Reporting of the development in the court case at Mumbai.

9.          Any other matter with the permission of the Chair.

KKN Kutty.

Secretary Genl.

NATIONAL CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE

OF PENSIONERS ASSOCIATIONS

13-C-Feroze  Shah Road,

New Delhi. 110 001.

Dated: 10^th July, 2018.

President: Com.Shiv Gopal Misra.      9717647594

Secretary General.  Com.KKN Kutty. 98110 48303

Dated: 20^th March, 2019

Dear Comrades,

Dharna fast at Jantar Mantar on 15.3.2019

            As has been decided by the National Executive Committee at its meeting held at Chennai on 5.08.2019 the dharna fast programme was carried out on 15^th March, 2019 at Jantar Mantar.  We had to encounter quite a number of problems as has been the case on the earlier occasions to get the permission of the Police authorities of Delhi to conduct the programme.  This time, the excuse for refusing permission was the notification (Press release) of the Election  Commission declaring election for the 17^th Lok Sabha.  The Police authorities  wanted us to get the permission of the Election observer  at Delhi for which our comrades at Delhi has to endeavour for a whole day.  At the end of the day,  the Election Observer rightly observed that she was appointed as an observer for holding the election and  not for holding Dharna.  In the evening, a meeting of the available comrades was held  and it was decided that what may, we will hold the Dharna Fast at Jantar Mantar.  The Police ultimately did not object and the programme went on without any further hindrance.

            The programme commenced at about 11.30 AM.  Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri,  Patron NCCPA was the first speaker and detailed the purport of the programme.  Com. Shiv Gopal Misra , President, NCCPA inaugurated the programme and the same was conducted by the Secretary General, Com. KKN. Kutty.  We had invited all the Federations and Associations of the working employees and most of them could come and greet the programme.  Com. Deep Chand on behalf of the Delhi Unit  welcomed the participants.  Other speakers included Com. Pavitra Chakraborty, Com. K. Raghavendran, Com. Jayaraj,  Com. I.S. Dabas, Com. H.S. Sidhu, Com. Rehman,  Com. T.M. Parameswaran.  Com. Parasar,  Com. Giriraj Singh, (Both from NFPE) Com. Brighu Bhattacharya,(Civil Accounts) Com. Ashok Kanojia, (Confederation)Com. Ajoy Tewari, (ITEF) were the  speakers  who greeted the dharna fast programme.  Almost all the speakers exhorted the participants to take note of the nugatory attitude of the Government towards Central Government pensioners  for the past 5 years and utilize the strength and power to  vote them out of power .  The programme was concluded at 2.30 PM.

            The National Executive had targeted to ensure the participation of about 2000 comrades in the programme.  Though we could not achieve it ( the participation was estimated to be about 1500), it had been a fantastic programme.  We publish hereunder a photograph we have taken almost about 1.00PM, when the programme was going on, which no doubt will bring out the success of it in clear terms.  The National Secretariat which met on 16^th had unanimously opined that despite the hurdles created ,( the  IB and its sleuths spreading the canard of cancellation of the programme on the pretext of the declaration of the election)  was nassive and magnificent. .  Some of the comrades, unfortunately  without even verifying the facts had cancelled the tickets believing the rumour spread.   There had been some other cancellations too as the last minute problem  of physical disabilities of the participating comrades and cancellation of flights especially the Jet flights. .  It was heartening to note that every affiliate of the NCCPA had tried to adhere to the quota, some exceeding .  As on the last occasion, this time also the best participation  came from the All India BSNL and DOT  Pensioners Association, who had earlier organized a march to Sanchar Bhawan from Eastern Court to highlight their own specific demands and problems.  The NCCPA  Sectt. has requested its affiliates and State Units to undertake a proper review  to identify the deficiencies so that it could be removed effectively before we could undertake further programmes.  The NCCPA will be grateful if the affiliates and the State Units convey to us immediately on receipt of this communication of the extent of participation of their members (State-wise) to have a clear picture.  Before I conclude, let me place on record that the programme had been a grand success in as much as we could demonstrate the discontent and grievances of the Central Government pensioners in an extremely magnificent manner and the credit for which goes to each and every participant and the leaders at the State and district levels who took the pains to elicit their participation, look after them properly and ensure that they return to their homes with fond memories .  The message that the time has come to think seriously to bring in a government which will think in terms of the welfare of the Senior Citizens and the poor in the country has gone unambiguously and loudly amongst the pensioner community.

National Sectt. Meeting: 16.3.2019.

            The meeting was held at AIRF Library Hall, presided over by Com.V.A.N. Namboodiri, Patron of NCCPA.  The Secretariat reviewed the conduct of and participation in the programme, the conclusion of which has been detailed in the preceding paragraph.  In order to comprehend the strength and weakness , which is the very purpose of such reviews, the meeting has decided to call for details of participation from each of the affiliate and State Unit so  that corrective steps could be taken to remove the weakness in the organisation.  The meeting noted that the absence of the important office bearers of NCCPA, i.e. Secretary General, Deputy and Assistant Secretary Generals, who had to be  away from 24^th Feb. to 9^th March, to attend the TUI  meeting at Bogota must have acted as a debilitating factor, which was in any case unavoidable. 

            Agenda Item No. 2. Court Cases:

            Option No. 1.  The suggestion of the Secretary General, emanating from the discussions, he had with the Advocates to the effect that petition must be filed before the Pr. Bench of the Tribunal was accepted by the house.  The proposal of CGPA Kerala to engage Shri Kaleeswaramraj & Associates was also accepted.  The package deal for the case is reported to be Rs. 2 lakhs, of which one lakh has to be paid at the time of filing the case.  The Secretary General will meet the Advocates in the first week of April and  will finalise the  matter so that the petition could be filed when the court re-opens after the summer vacation.  It was decided that   each affiliate and the State Committee will contribute to the litigation fund.  The amount to be contributed will be worked out by the Secretary General after ascertaining the membership base of each of them. 

            MACP Case.  It was decided to file the case after obtaining application from those who are affected or benefitted.  Each applicant will be asked to pay Rs. 1000 initially and the advocate identified at the instance of AIPRPA will be engaged.  All affiliates and State units will collect the applications and forward the same to the CHQ without further loss of time. 

            NCCPA Journal.  The journal, it was noted, is running in losses.  To obviate the difficulties the only way was to increase its price, which can  only be done at the next conference.  In the meantime, the Assistant Treasurer and the comrade  in charge of printing the magazine at Kolkata will prepare an Income and Expenditure Statement  from 2015 to date and send the same to the CHQ.  They will also indicate the amount of dues outstanding so that steps could be taken to recover it. 

            Finance:   It was brought to the notice of the house that the travelling expenses to go over to Bogota had to be met  by the Secretary General from his personal funds and the same has to be reimbursed.  While the outstanding dues as per the present provisions of the constitution will be worked out by the treasurer it was decided by the house to seek donation to carry out the day to day activities of the CHQ.  The Secretary General indicated that he was not in possession of the list of all the affiliates till date and Com. Pavitra Chakraborty has promised to provide him a copy thereof immediately.  In the meantime, all affiliates are requested to provide the details of membership for the year F.Y. 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 separately.  This will enable the Sectt. To work out the details of outstanding. 

            Next Conference:  At the last National Executive Committee meeting,  Comrades from Rajasthan CGPA had been requested to undertake the exercise of feasibility of conducting the conference.  It was informed to the house that so far no concrete suggestion has come from them.  The house discussed the matter further as the Conference was overdue.  The meeting decided that in any case conference must be held before the end of 2019. A final reply from Rajasthan may be solicited before the end of the month.  AIPRPA, Tamilnadu State Unit will in the meantime explore the possibility of holding the conference at Chennai and intimate the outcome of their discussions to the Secretary General. 

            Affiliation application.  The application from the Punjab National Bank Pensioners association was considered.  The representatives of the said organization were present at the meeting.  The members had the opportunity to hear them explain their case.  The Bank Comrades will be provided with the copy of the constitution  of NCCPA.  The meeting authorized the Secretary General to grant affiliation to them. 

            Any other matter.  Com. Somayya presented a paper containing the grievances of the CGHS beneficiaries to the meeting.  It was told that JCM is making efforts to have a meeting with the health secretary to discuss the issues.

            Com. Secretary General informed the house that the NCCPA has been granted the PAN No. though the communication is yet to be received in writing.  He hoped that the same will be delivered at the Treasurer’s residence soon. 

            TUI WORLD CONGRESS:

            The Second world congress of the TUI (Pensioners and Retirees) was held at Bogota in Columbia.  The NCCPA was represented by its Secretary General, Com. K.K.N. Kutty and oln behalf of AIPRPA, Com. K. Raghavendran and on behalf of AIBDPA, Com. K.G. Jayaraj attended the congress.  A detailed report over the congress has been placed on the website and the same is carried by our journal for this month.  It is to be noted that there had been no other representatives from India. All the Indian delegates have been elected to the administering Committees of the TUI.   Com. K.G. Jayaraj has been elected to be one of the Executive Committee member, Com. K.Ragavendran in the Technical and Research Commission and Com. K.K.N. Kutty in the Finance Control commission. The TUI (P &R) is a vibrant international body and had been functioning in the last five years very well and have extended its influence to all continents.  The responsibility of the expanding its base in Asia particularly is now cast upon NCCPA, even though the Nepalese delegation has been elected to be one of the office bearers.  Com. K.G. Jayaraj particularly will have this carved out for him and our success will make NCCPA a world respected body. 

            With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

Sd/-

K.K.N. Kutty

Secretary General.

NATIONAL CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE

OF PENSIONERS ASSOCIATIONS..

Website: nccpahq.blogspot.in.

E mail: nccpahq@gmail.com.

13.c Feroze Shah Road,

 New Delhi. 110 001

PRESIDENT:       COM.SHIV GOPAL MISHRA.(97176 47594)

SECy. GENERAL:          COM.K.K.N.KUTTY. (98110 483030)

Dated 17^TH May, 2019.

Dear Comrades,

            The 47^th meeting of the National Council JCM was held on 13^th April, 2019.  This meeting was held after a lapse of about a decade.  As you are aware, the Staff Side of the JCM had to take the decision to organise a dharna programme at New Delhi to force upon convening such a meeting.  Since the Government indicated their willingness to convene the meeting of the National Council and the date was notified the proposed dharna programme was not held. 

            The agenda taken up for discussion at the meetings were pretty old and mostly pertaining to the 6^th CPC issues.  The record of discussions that was prepared by the Staff Side is on the website of the National Council, JCM. Staff Side.  We are not reproducing the same for it has lost of its relevance to day.  If any comrade wishes to see the same, they may kindly visit the website of the National Council JCM. Staff Side. 

            In the said meeting, the issues related to the Health Ministry was discussed at length.  However, the staff side pointed out that the convention of having separately discussing the health-related issues must be followed.  Accordingly, the Secretary Health convened a meeting of the National Council, Standing Committee on 16^th inst.   The undersigned attending the meeting in his capacity as the Standing Committee member.  After the meeting, a synopsis of the discussion was prepared by the Staff Side and the same is reproduced hereunder.  The issues discussed mostly pertains to the CGHS problems.  On the basis of the feed- back we have received from some of the affiliates, the NCCPA had prepared a list of items (fresh) and the same had been submitted to the Government for discussion in the meeting of 16^th inst.   However, these items could not be taken up for discussion as the official side had complained of lack of sufficient time for them to study and respond.   It has now been agreed that another meeting will be convened soon to discuss those issues.  We send herewith the items we proposed to discuss at the meeting as and when it is convened.   We request our comrades to kindly go through these items and if any important issues have been omitted, we may be informed immediately so that the same can be included well before the next meeting is convened.   Incidentally we may point out that only from a few units, we received suggestions and views on problems connected with health care.  Many units chose not to respond to our communication in the matter. 

            We shall pursue these issues to reach a settlement.  With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

K.K.N. Kutty.

Secretary General.

A meeting with the Staff Side of the National Council JCM under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Ministry of Health & FW was held today at Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi. The Staff Side was represented by Comrades Shiva Gopal Mishra, Guman Singh, KKN Kutty, C. Srikumar, M. S. Raja and R.N. Parashar. The following agenda points were taken up for discussion and the decisions taken are given below for your information.

Item No	Agenda Points	Decision
1.	Non grant of 90% Medical Advance for all type of treatments by the Audit Authorities in the Ministry of Defence in violation of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Letter No.      S.14025/18/2015-MS/EHSS dated 17.10.2016	It was Clearfield by the Official Side that 90% advance even in the case of other than package can be made to the employees as per Ministry of Health OM dated 17.10.2016. In case the Accounts Authorities of the MOD is not allowing the same, the MOD may be requested to refer the matter to Ministry of Health.
2.	Review of ward entitlement for Central Government Employees	It was agreed to reconsider the wage limit for Ward entitlement and also to streamline the same as per the 7th CPC pay matrix.
3.	Withdrawal of the condition imposed in Ministry of Health OM No. S.14011/1/73-M.C.,   dated 23rd August, 1973 with regard to diabetic treatment	The condition to produce certificate from DMO / Civil surgeon for continuing the treatment for diabetics etc has been removed and any Government Doctor can issue certificate in this regard.
4.	Review of package rate for Organ Transplantation	The actual cost of organ transplantation will be considered depending on merit of each individual case
5.	In-patient treatment in Hospitals without going through the AMA.	The Ministry of Health OM dated 2nd May 1953 will be re-circulated to all the Ministries which permits the in-patient treatment without AMA sanction
6.	Reimbursement of preventive Vaccination charges	This is a policy matter which Government will have to decide
7.	Emergency Treatments in CGHS recognized Hospitals.	At present the CGHS beneficiary can directly approach the recognized hospital with the CGHS Card without any referral memo. The proposal of the Staff Side to avoid hardship to the patient for subsequent dealings with the CGHS Wellness centre would be considered the concerned hospitals will be asked to get the approval of the concerned dispensary doctor.
8.	Reimbursement of Medical expenses not covered under the CGHS Package Rates.	Steps are being taken to revise the CGHS packages and at that time the inclusion of new procedure etc  would be considered.
9.	Issue of Medicines to CS(MA) beneficiaries availing inpatient treatment in CGHS recognized Hospitals.	Not agreed. CS(MA) beneficiaries has to get reimbursement of the Expenses
10.	Permission / Ex-post facto approval for elective treatment / investigation taken in non-empanelled Hospitals / Diagnostic Centers for CS (MA) beneficiaries at par with CGHS beneficiaries.	Not Agreed
11.	Treatment of dependents of the deceased Employees / Employees who have taken voluntary retirement / premature retirement / medical invalidation / compulsory retirement etc.	Provisional CGHS Card will be issued to the above category of employees based on the Last Pay Certificate
12.	Opening of CGHS Dispensaries in AGRA, Barrackpore (Kolkata) and Kochi	Government orders are already issued in this regard. As regards Kochi, Kozhikode and Kannur steps are taken to acquire accommodation for the wellness Centre. At Kochi the BSNL Quarters have been identify. Formalities to access the same is under way. The doctor shortage of Agra would be looked in to. At present Barrackpore wellness Centre is functioning as an extension counter. Depending upon its utility the demand for establishing the same as a permanent wellness centre would be considered.
13.	Central Government health Scheme. Empanelling of hospitals – streamlining the procedure to provide in-patient treatment to the beneficiaries.	More than Rs. 300 crores are due to the hospitals are being cleared and under way  to clear the same. steps are taken to streamline the payment procedure for the Hospitals
14.	DISPROPROPOTINATE  REVISION OF SUBSCRIPTION UNDER CGHS DUE TO REVISION OF PAY AND ALL0WANCES  OF  CENTRAL  GOVT. EMPLOYEES  ON ACCOUNT OF IMPLEMENTATION  SEVENTH PAY COMMISSION.	Not Agreed
15.	Direct consultation with Specialists in CGHS/Central Government/State Government Hospitals /Polyclinics. Continuation of the facility to those CGHS beneficiaries who were eligible for direct consultation before revision of the Monetary Ceiling	The monetary ceiling is already removed
16.	Revision of monetary Ceiling for direct consultation with Specialists in CGHS/CentralGovernment/State Government Hospitals /Polyclinics in respect of Pensioners and Family Pensioners.	The monetary ceiling is already removed
17.	Plastic Cards	Settled
18.	Indication of Ward entitlement in plastic cards of pre-1-6-2009 Beneficiaries	Would be considered
19.	Grant of one time option to CGHS Beneficiaries to opt for ward entitlement as per their revised Pay in Pay Band.	Would be considered
20.	Provision of CGHS facility for life time to dependent disabled/mentally retarded children of  Central Government Employees/Pensioners	Agreed to consider the demand in consultation with Department of Expenditure
21.	Extension of CGHS facilities to retired BSNL employees - follow up action by the Ministry of Health and family Welfare & fixation of rates of contribution & ward entitlement.	Settled

The remaining twelve fresh agenda points would be discussed later. The Health Ministry will fix the date for the said meeting.

The issue of inadequacy of CGHS empanelled hospitals at Mumbai was seriouslydiscussed in the meeting. After discussion the official side agreed to re visit the issue considering the difficulties being faced by the Central Government Employees posted in Mumbai it was also agreed that the demand of the Staff Side for establishing a Central Government Hospital at Mumbai  would be considered again and the proposal of the Staff Side to locate the said hospital at Antop Hills was favourably responded.

With Greetings,

Yours Comradely,

(Shiva Gopal Mishra)

KKN KUTTY

Member,standing Committee.

To

The Secretary,

Staff Side,JCN.National Coubcil,

New Delhi.

Dated: 9^th May, 2019

Dear Comrade,

            I am sending the following agenda items for discussion with the Secretary Health.  This may kindly be forwarded to him.  This is prepared on the basis of the memorandum and letters, the staff side office has received.   The items are not exhaustive.  However, all important issues have been incorporated. 

            Thanking you,

Yours fraternally, 

KKN Kutty

Agenda Item No. 1

Empanelling Hospitals

The Government has recognized Private Hospitals for in-patient treatment of CGHS beneficiaries. The list of such hospitals in each cities is given on  the website of the CGHS. We hope that the list has been periodically getting updated.   The following are some of the oft repeated complaints over the functioning of the CGHS empanelled hospitals.

i.)                  Inadequacy of the Number of hospitals.

ii.)                 Non-permission for cashless treatment by the hospital due to the outstanding Bills for pensioners.

iii.)               Non-permission of consultation with specialists of Private recognized hospitals by the beneficiary without reference from the CGHS

iv.)             Lack of basic infrastructure and facilities in  some of these hospitals

In view of these and other complaints,  we may suggest the following for the consideration of the Government.

1.       The No. of hospitals to be recognized in each city must have some relationship with the No. of Beneficiaries in that city.

2.       The Ministry must stipulate  certain basic amenities in hospital which are proposed to be recogfnised.  Viz.  sufficient  number of doctors and other , Para medical Staff, Beds, Patient Rooms, pathological laboratories, icu, iccu,  etc as a pre requisite for empanelment.

3.       Cashless treatment for pensioners has to be a pre-condition to be insisted upon.

4.       Government must provide a system generate for payment of bill to hospitals within six x months failing which government must pay lowest at a stipulated rate. Responsibility for the delay in payment and consequent payment of interest may be accounted for and the person responsible for the delay be penalised..

5.       The beneficiaries must have the right conferred upon them seek consultation with a specialist in a recognized hospital as  a matter of course  and in case of surgery or treatment for follow up for a period not less than 3 years.

6.       For each city, the No. of such recognized hospitals for General treatment must not be less than 5 and for specialized treatment for chronic  diseases, not less than three.

7.       The Government must prepare a list of hospitals which have applied for empanelment and their cases taken up for recognition as and when they comply with the stipulated requirement.

8.       Continuous empanelment introduced by the Government has the inbuilt condition that the concerned hospital can opt out of CGHS  as and when they like.  This has not worked properly and therefore may be reviewed.

9.       The Government has been stipulating that all private hospitals which enjoys certain tax benefits or land allotment  must provide free treatment to poor as part of social obligations.  The Government shall not have any difficulty in stipulating that these hospitals should also provide treatment to Government employees on payment of charges restricted to the governmental stipulations.  We, therefore, that such a stipulation if made will go a long way in ensuring health care to the government employees at reasonable rates.         

Item No. 2.

Emergency Dispensaries

The dispensary timings are so conceived to ensure the optimum utilization of the available man-power. This however, creates a situation whereby at certain point of time, no dispensary will be available even to help a patient  in emergency. This causes problem and therefore we suggest to have one dispensary in each city earmarked as emergency dispensary functioning 24 x 7 and sufficient manpower is provided to that dispensary.

Item No. 3

Diagnosis centers/laboratories .

Doctors depend on the report of tests conducted by the diagnoses centre/ laborites for diagnosis and to prescribe medicine. it is better that all emergency dispensaries, which may be opened in all CGHS cities  have also an attached diagnosis centre/Labs. If it is not feasible to do so, the Government many undertake to recognize reputed private pathological centres and the bills paid to the laboratories directly by the Government. These recognised centres may send the report of the test directly to the concerned CGHS doctors, aso that the patient need not visit the centres twice for undergoing the test and obtaining the report thereof.

Item No.4

Government has recognized various private hospitals in non CGHS areas. The employees and others who work in non CGHS areas and are covered by CCS (MA) Rules are entitled to get in-patient treatment at these hospitals. This has helped the employees to get quick and better  treatment and consequently unburden the Government run hospitals. The CGEs who are CGHS beneficiaries are often transferred to non CGHS areas. They are per force as per the present regulation to seek in-patent treatment in those hospital recognized by Government in CGHS areas. It  is our request that those  hospitals which are recognized for the purpose of reimbursement under CCS (MA) Rules at non CGHS centres may also be recognized for treatment for CGHS beneficiaries, whenever required.

Item No. 5

Dispensing  branded  Medicines

The medicines  prescribed by Specialists  often not available in the dispensary. The autyhroised chemists are approached through indent and they take a few days tpo deliver the prescribed medicines. More often they supply substitute medicines.  It is not our points that the substitutes supplied by the chemist might always  be of any lower quality. However the patient being ignorant of the component and ingredients of the medicine is psychologically impacted.  The authorised chemists must be instructed that the prescribed branded medicine must be dispensed with and they should not substitute it with another brand medicine..

Item No.6

Reconsidering the norms of appointment of Specialists in major metro cities:

The existing norms for appointment of Specialists in major metro cities are totally inadequate to treat the number of patients in CGHS. For example in Chennai City with more than 1,00,000 CGHS beneficiaries, only one Eye Specialist Doctor is in place. This Specialist is being rotated between two Centers at K.K.Nagar and Annanagar Wellness Centers during the week. The  eye patients are more in number and the  availability of Specialist only on selective days of the week is causing extreme hardship to senior citizens especially octogenarians and septuagenarians. It is therefore requested that the norms may be so amended as number of specialists in a particular city has some relationship to the No. of registered beneficiaries in that city.

Item No. 7

Medicines:

Currently in almost all CGHS centers, the patients are not supplied with all the required medicines immediately after consulting the Doctors. Even routine medicines like the tablets for Blood Pressure and Diabetes are not available on the first visit of the patients. Local Purchase is ordered and the patients are asked to come back again after three days for those medicines. This is causing unnecessary travel strain on the aged patients besides the patients remain medicine less for some days. This condition is prevalent in many States like Tamilnadu, Andhra and Telangana etc. Therefore we propose that suitable arrangements as in the past should be made to stock sufficient medicines for supply to the patients on their first visit to the CGHS Dispensaries. We also would like to point out that the retired MLAs and M.Ps for whom the medicines to be purchased on local purchase (LP) are at present sent by Couriers by post. They need not come back again the next day or later when the LP medicines are ready with the Wellness Centre. Similar facility may be extended to the Pensioners who are CGHS beneficiaries but living in far flung non-CGHS areas so that they get the medicines of local purchase by speed post.

Item No.8

Recognizing referral hospitals and Clinics in all Districts:

CGHS is now opened for all P&T Pensioners living in non-CGHs areas also. P&T Pensioners are known to be present and living in all districts of the country. We can understand that CGHS wellness Centers cannot be opened in all Districts. But CGHs has a panel of private referral hospitals. Similar is the case with the Clinics and labs for pathological tests for the beneficiaries. The condition is that these hospitals and Clinics should agree to charge at the CGHS rates. We propose that at least one referral hospital and one or two clinics in each district  should be recognized or approved on certain conditions. This will go a long way to help the Pensioners to take treatment without straining themselves to undertake a long journey to reach out the CGHS city for any treatment.

Item No.9

Lump sum payment for life termCGHS benefit to be related to the pay drawn at the time of retirmenet in the case of pensioners.

P&T Pensioners living in non-CGHS areas were not allowed to join CGHS due to the earlier.. Now after the recommendations of the 7^th CPC and due to Court intervention at Kerala, the Health Ministry has taken back the earlier prohibition.All the P&T Pensioners are not permitted to join CGHS. But the question is they are to remit the subscription at the rate finalized after 7^th CPC. The enhanced rate of subscription is understandable for the serving employees and the pensioners retiring now after getting higher salaries of 7^th CPC. But fixing the same 7^th CPC rates for the past Pensioners especially those who had retired long back is a bit unjustified. We propose that the past pensioners as a one-time measure may be permitted to join CGHS on remittance of lump-sum payment at the rates prevailing in the month in which the beneficiary retired. .

Item No.10.

Other miscellaneous issues:

(a)    The CGHS doctors may be asked to honour the prescription of the specialist doctors of recognised hospitals;

(b)    Explore whether  separate queue can be provided for pensioners at dispensaries.

(c)     Facility of lift may be provided in all dispensaries which are housed in multi-storey buildings.

(d)    Introduce the medical insurance scheme for the Pensioners and working employees residing in non CGHS areas, onthe lines of the scheme enunciated by the Government of Kerala.

(e)    The Additional Directors may be instructed to hold periodical meetings (say once in three months)  with the representatives of CGHS beneficiaries to resolve the local problems.

(f)      To revise the package rates immediately  as the prices of certain medicines and procedure charges have increased enormously.