What is CGHS & RGHS & why you should learn about it.
RGHS and CGHS, respectively, stand for Rajasthan Government Health Scheme and Central Government Health Scheme. As the name suggests, both of these schemes are health insurance offered by the state of Rajasthan and the central government of India, respectively. Even though both schemes are to provide affordable healthcare to citizens, the coverage, eligibility, and categorization of these schemes differ drastically. So, in this article, let’s learn more about both CGHS and RGHS so you can understand which scheme is better for you.
What is CGHS?
CGHS was introduced in 1954, and it still continues to function to this day. It is one of the biggest health insurance schemes in the world that covers all employees and families of currently working and retired central government employees. Even after existing for over 50 years, the popularity of CGHS has not declined at all because of the comprehensive coverage it provides beneficiaries. Apart from traditional allopathic treatment, CGHS also provides coverage for Ayurvedic, Siddhi, Yogic, Unani, Naturopathy, and Homeopathy treatments. Undoubtedly, this is one of, if not the most comprehensive lists of treatment opportunities available for beneficiaries among government health insurance schemes in India..
Facilities provided under CGHS
Here is a list of all the medical treatment facilities that you and your family can avail of under the CGHS scheme as a beneficiary.
Maternity, child health services, and family welfare
OPD treatment (only at empanelled/approved hospitals)
Reimbursement of medical treatment costs associated with the treatment of medical emergencies
Doctor consultations and checkups at government hospitals and clinics
Cashless medical treatment for pensioners and beneficiaries who have notified the government in advance at empanelled/approved hospitals
Who is eligible for the CGHS scheme?
CGHS scheme, as the name suggests, is available for employees and pensioners of the central government of India. The detailed list of beneficiaries that can avail of the CGHS scheme is mentioned below.
Employees of the railway board
Police staff/personnel working in the national capital Delhi
PIB accredited journalists that cover Delhi
Freedom Fighters
Members of Parliament, current and previous
Former vice president
All governors and lieutenant governors of Indian states
Pensioners who receive their pay from the Central Civil Estimate
All current government employees, including their families (dependants) that live or are employed in CGHS, covered areas of the country.
What is RGHS?
RGHS was introduced in September 2021 as the medical insurance provider for all personnel and government staff of the Rajasthan state government. This scheme is entirely online, and the application process and reimbursement processes can all be done paperlessly. The RGHS scheme also offers coverage only within the state of Rajasthan at empanelled/approved hospitals.
Facilities provided under RGHS
Even though the RGHS scheme does not offer a wide range of treatment options for its beneficiaries, they are still eligible for traditional allopathic treatment at some of the top hospitals in Rajasthan for a variety of illnesses and conditions. Here is a list of all the facilities provided under RGHS.
OPD treatment
Cashless facilities for daycare, IPD medical services
Family welfare, child and mother health services
Diagnostic tests or medical investigations at government empanelled/approved diagnostic centers.
Who is eligible for the RGHS scheme?
RGHS scheme is dedicated to the government employees and pensioners of the Rajasthan state government. However, the complete list of eligible applicants for this scheme is mentioned below.
Members of the legislative assembly in the state of Rajasthan, current and former, including their families that permanently reside in Rajasthan
Current employees and pensioners of the Rajasthan state government
Judges and ex-Judges of the state
Conclusion
CGHS and RGHS don’t have much overlap in terms of their eligibility, as they are aimed at different beneficiaries. If, by any chance, you are eligible for both schemes, be sure to choose one based on the factors presented in this article. However, when it comes to the actual medical care, regardless of your coverage RGHS or CGHS, you can visit MediPulse hospital for approved coverage for most government health schemes. For more information, you can visit the MediPulse hospital website.