CGHS Temporary Permit
As I mentioned earlier, my FIL (DM2, CRF, HTN, Hb+) suffered from Intra-Cranial Hemorrhage (ICH) which left him paralyzed on the left-side of his body (Left Hemi-Paresis) and the ensuing treatment caused his kidney problem (End State Renal Disease - ESRD) to aggravate and become Complete Renal Failure (CRF).
After being in Kolkata for almost 6 months, it was time for wife and me to return to Secunderabad (where are are based). Since it was not possible for us to leave my FIL to the care of unsupervised nurses, we decided to move him with us to Secunderabad. Hence we simultaneously started the process of getting temporary permission to avail CGHS benefits at Secunderabad.
- First, we approached the local dispensary at Kolkata and inquired about the process. We were re-directed to the Head-office at Esplanade. At the head-office, we spoke to the Addl. Director who answered our queries and even quoted from the rule-book to ensure that his advice was accurate.
- In case of a serving employee wishing to avail of CGHS Benefits in another city, he needs to obtain permission from his Head of Department (HoD) clearly stating the reason why he requires CGHS benefits in another city. Armed with this letter, he needs to approach CGHS HQ who will in turn issue him a further permit letter addressed to the Addl. Director of the destination city.
- In case of a pensioner, no such permit letter is required. The CGHS beneficiary can directly approach the CGHS office at the destination city to seek approval.
- Upon arriving at the destination city, the serving employee / pensioner (CGHS Beneficiary) needs to visit the HQ at this city and meet with Addl. Director.
- Three copies of a document set are required to be presented to the Addl. Director at this meeting.
- Letter to CGHS requesting Temporary Permit.
- Copy of CGHS ID Card.
- Letter from HoD (if applicable)
- Letter from CGHS HQ of source city (if applicable)
- After inspection, the director will grant permission on the document (5.1). These documents need to be presented to the concerned official in the Administrative section for filing and issuing of the actual ‘Temporary Permit (TP) document. A suitable dispensary may also be mentioned on the TP.
- Upon issue of the TP, the beneficiary needs to present the document to the CMO I/C at the recommended dispensary and obtain his permission. Typically, the CMO I/C will call for the ‘Temporary Permits’ register and make the suitable entries.
- After the CMO I/C has signed on the TP, the beneficiary can meet with an available doctor; present his case history and claim medicines/diagnostic tests.
Please note:
- TP is issued for a maximum duration of 6 months. TP can be re-issued at the end of 6 months.
- If the patient intends to move to the destination city permanently or for more than 1 year, he should go-in for a permanent permit.
- To obtain a permanent permit, the beneficiary has to apply at CGHS HQ of the source city requesting a CGHS Transfer. During this process, he will have to surrender his existing card and he will be issued with a permit and no-objection letter from the CGHS HQ of his source city. Upon arrival at the destination city, he needs to present these documents along with other documents such as photographs of the beneficiaries, identity proof, address proof etc. so that a new CGHS Membership card can be issued to him. While this process is generally works like a well-oiled machine in South-India, my experience in East-India was quite contrary.
- Beneficiaries with TP can avail of doctor’s advice, medicines and diagnostics at the destination city as per regular CGHS process. However, in case of hospitalization, the ‘Medical 2004 Claim/Reimbursement’ form needs to be submitted at the HQ of the source city. For ex: since my FIL’s card was issued from Kolkata, in case we have hospitalize him (pre-approved/emergency) at Hyderabad, I will have to run to Kolkata to claim reimbursement.
I hope this document will help you understand the CGHS Processes regarding availing treatment in locations other than your home-town and make it easier for you to receive the benefits.
Do revert to me with suggestions for improvement.
Download:
1. Sample ‘Letter to CGHS Requesting Temporary Permit’
Filed under: CGHS
Thanks
The info seems really useful because I don’t think it really occurs to anyone unless they are themselves in the same situation which my sisters and I are right now with our father admitted in a CGHS hospital in Mumbai with a mild paralytic stroke.There is very little awareness on facilities available for pensioners and by the time one completes the required formalities and realizes what one has gotten into,one is completely frustrated and would certainly lose faith in the system.
Hopetheinformation you haveacquired helps others too.
Dear Rajib, Thanks for the extensive experience information that you have shared. My relative is diagnosed as a End stage renal disease and have been recommended by govt doctor for regular dialysis. I need info on 1- How to finalise my diagnosis? should i undergo special test called biopsy? 2- for regular dialysis i was told we need to have a surgical procedure in your arm connecting vein and arteries (fistula)…how and where do i get it done? who shud refer? 3- Where should i have the dialyis done regulary, how to organise appointment etc, 4- Im also told of the expensive tests and medicines for life time. how do i get supply?. Would be grateful for ur reply. Or else please let me know your tel no, would like to speak to you to hear your experience on dialysis for ur FIL. Many thanks. Nathan
Hi Nathan,
1. ESRD need not be finalized by a biopsy. A biopsy is useful in detecting tumors/cancers. ESRD can be detected by Blood & Urine tests alone. For ex: Check blood for Sodium, Potassium, Calcium & Phosphorus. Check blood for Urea, Creatinine, Albumin. Check 24 Hour urine for Creatinine clearance.
Please obtain a permission letter from CMO of CGHS dispensary to either get them done at the dispensary or a CGHS approved diagnostic centre.
2. Hemodialysis requires a fistula for better blood flow management. Typically, the CGHS recognized hospital will recommend hemodialysis and the creation of fistula. After permission from CGHS, this minor operation can be conducted at the CGHS recognized hospital itself.
3. Hemodialysis needs to be done regularly. The frequency depends on the condition of the patient. For patients with kidney impairment, the frequency ranges from daily to once in 3 days. After Hemodialysis has been sanctioned by CGHS (following recommendation by CGHS Recognised Hospital), you need to visit the CGHS Recognized Dialysis Centre (for ex: Satya Kidney Centre at Hyderabad) and work out your schedule of dialysis. In my MIL’s case, her appointments were often at 2AM!
4. Hemodialysis patients loose blood every time dialysis is performed. The kidney impairment further prevents the creation of new blood. To counter this, patients need to be administered Erythopotein regularly. The Nephrologist at hospital will write it in the prescription. You need to produce this prescription at CGHS Dispensary to indent your medicines and collect them 3 days later. While at Kolkata, I had to run between 2 different dispensaries and produce elaborate documents, at Hyderabad; since I visit the CGHS Dispensary attached to the HQ, it’s easier and one-stop.
You can read more about CGHS procedures in my article titled ‘Obtaining CGHS Treatment’.
HTH
Dear Rajib,
I am a Central Govt. Employee at New Delhi and availing AMA’s services as i am living in Non-CGHS covered area. My wife is going to home town i.e. Nagpur (Maharashtra). Can i get CGHS temporary permit for my wife for Nagpur.
with ragards
Ajay Bhende
Dr. G Rangaswamy (CMO, CGHS Disp #4, Hyderabad) replies to Mr. Ajay Bhende’s question:
“If the person is not covered by the CGHS at his work station, he or his family can not avail CGHS facility though he has come to a place where CGHS facility is available, because he is not contributory to the scheme. Only AMA rules apply if any need for the medical attention is required.
But if the employee was transfered to a non CGHS area recently(i.e., with in the last six months) his family can be extended for not more than six months from the date of his transfer from the CGHS covered place, provide he deposits the six months contribution in advance.”
HTH
Dear Dr. G Rangaswamy,
Thankx for ur valuable guidance. I need ur more guidance on this matter. As I have already stated that I am using AMA’ s services. My wife is going to Nagpur for delivery. I don’t know whether there is AMA or not in area where we lived in Nagpur. In this case if i used private medical services, can it be reimburse and how?
My Mail is: dripchoudhary1952@yahoo.com
I got cataract operation done in Delhi CGHS hosp (safdarjang hospital) By CGHS Eye surgeon (pheco - IOL ) and purchased IOL advised by same surgeon -Rayacryl® hydrophilic acrylic co-polymer lense costing Rs 5500 in april 2008 bur CGHS rembursed only 900 giviny plea that only rs 950 is admissible . anybody expert may advise what to do to them
please mail me ur advise.
Dear Dr. Choudhary,
CGHS does have ceiling limits for procedures and implants. You can always request to see the Approved Rates for your city to verify.
For class A cities, currently Rs.5000/-is the maximum for the cataract surgery. Cost of lens is extra. Hence, clearly CGHS is not going to accept a lens of such high value.
HTH