8th pay commission: The excitement and hope around the 8th Pay Commission are in the air. As the government prepares for the process, employees and pensioners are speculating about a possible replacement for the 70-year-old Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). There is talk in government corridors that the traditional CGHS might soon be replaced by a modern, insurance-based medical system.
8th pay commission: The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) is not just a card for central government employees. Since its inception in 1954, the scheme has served as a support system for government employees and their families -- a health scheme that has become a backbone for central government employees and pensioners.
The CGHS is a health plan by the central government that offers medical care at low, subsidised rates. It includes various services such as medical tests, doctor consultations, and surgeries.
Under the CGHS package, a single fixed amount covers the full treatment process, from hospital admission to discharge. The scheme mainly benefits central government employees, retired staff, and their dependent family members.
As of October 5, CGHS provides healthcare to about 4.26 million people across 80 cities in India, according to the official CGHS website.
The CGHS underwent digital and structural changes during the 7th Pay Commission period. Changes in ward allocation, linking to ABHA ID, easy referral process were a few changes it went through.
However, the major reforms enhanced the ease of access to eligible hospitals.
8th pay commission: 7th Pay Commission can be adopted in the 8th Pay Commission as well. According to the expert analysis, upgraded digitalisation and new administrative systems can be avoided. They can also avoid minimal charges and combine with the basic and DA.
As At the same time, the formal launch of the 8th Pay Commission is getting delayed, but the eyes of the employees and pensioners are now fixed on the new recommendations and health facilities. One of the questions frequently asked is whether the government will replace CGHS with another insurance-based scheme under the 8th Pay Commission. We will understand the current situation in this story going forward.