Urgent Request for Provision of Cashless CGHS Facility to Retired Employees of Autonomous Bodies-BPS writes to the Minister H &FW

  

No BPS/SG/SPA/025/01                                                                            Date: 29.05.2025

To

1.Shri J.P. Nadda

Hon’ble Minister                                                                                                                                       

for Health and Family Welfare

Government of India

2.Shri Dharmendra Pradhan                                                                                                                     

Honourable Minister                                                                                                                                        

 for education                                                                                                                              

Government of India

Subject: Urgent Request for Provision of Cashless CGHS Facility to   Retired       Employees of Autonomous Bodies

Respected Sir,

On behalf of Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS) — a national federation representing over 10 lakh pensioners across various sectors — we bring to your kind attention the pressing issue faced by retired employees of autonomous institutions like the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi, and many others.

While these institutions extend Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) benefits to their retirees, the lack of cashless treatment facilities has severely restricted access to critical healthcare for many senior citizens.

The Issue in Brief:

1. Although CGHS coverage is extended to retirees of autonomous bodies, medical treatment under CGHS is on a reimbursement basis, requiring pensioners to make large out-of-pocket payments upfront.

2. Many retired employees — often living on modest pensions — are unable to bear the high initial cost of hospitalization or specialized treatments, defeating the very purpose of healthcare support in old age.

3. The reimbursement process is frequently delayed, creating undue financial and emotional stress.

Our Humble Appeal:

We respectfully urge the Ministries to initiate necessary policy amendments to enable cashless CGHS treatment at empanelled hospitals for retired employees of autonomous bodies covered under CGHS — at par with Central Government pensioners.

This long-standing disparity not only compromises the dignity of our elderly citizens but also contradicts the principles of equality and care enshrined in our nation’s welfare policies.

We request you to:

· Kindly include this matter in the agenda of the upcoming Standing Committee meetings and health policy reviews.

· Issue appropriate directions to the Directorate General of CGHS to explore feasible mechanisms for enabling cashless treatment for such retirees.

· Ensure a uniform and inclusive healthcare system for all categories of pensioners, without discrimination based on their employer status.

Conclusion:

A dignified life post-retirement is the right of every servant of the nation — autonomous or otherwise. We hope the Ministries concerned  will give this matter its urgent consideration and restore healthcare dignity to our fellow pensioners.

We remain at your disposal for any further clarifications.

With respectful regards,

SincerelyYours,

S. C. Maheshwari

Secretary General

Bharat Pensioners Samaj

Copy to The Secretary, M/O H &FW, Sh. Praveen P Nair, IAS , PS to Hon'ble Education Minister

             Joint Secretary ,GOI M/O P,PG & Pensions-DOP &PW with the request to do the needful at                      their level Please.

S. C. Maheshwari

Secretary General

Bharat Pensioners Samaj