CGHS Beneficiaries Rise by 39% to 47.6 Lakh for 2023-24
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Synopsis
The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) has seen a significant rise in beneficiaries, increasing by 39% to 47.6 lakh from 2019-20 to 2023-24. This growth reflects improved healthcare provisions and increased reimbursements to empaneled hospitals.
Key Takeaways
- 39% increase in CGHS beneficiaries
- Reimbursements to hospitals rose from 24% to nearly 60%
- 54% increase in CGHS spending
- Over 76 crore Indians have an ABHA ID
- AB PMJAY includes free coverage for seniors over 70
New Delhi, April 1 (NationPress) The count of Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) beneficiaries has jumped by 39 percent from 34.2 lakh in 2019-20 to 47.6 lakh in 2023-24, as per the latest data from the Health Ministry.
At the same time, reimbursements to private hospitals that are empaneled under CGHS have surged from 24 percent in 2019-20 to almost 60 percent in 2023-24.
In December of last year, CGHS issued an advisory to empaneled hospitals, noting that some healthcare organizations were found to be engaging in fraudulent activities when submitting bills. It also highlighted complaints from beneficiaries regarding overcharging, denial of treatment, and other issues.
From 2019-20 to 2023-24, the overall expenditure on CGHS increased by 54 percent.
The Central Government Health Scheme provides comprehensive healthcare services to central government employees, pensioners, and their dependents.
CGHS offers medical services through an extensive network of wellness centers and empaneled hospitals, covering consultations, treatments, diagnostics, and medications, ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare.
In addition, over 76 crore Indians now possess an Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID, based on the latest information from the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
ABHA, a vital part of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), serves as a link for all health records of an individual. Its objective is to minimize out-of-pocket expenses and enhance access to quality healthcare.
As of now, 55,10,259 ABHA accounts were established in March, with 1,67,257 created on a single day, according to the latest updates. Uttar Pradesh holds the highest count of health accounts (1319.1 lakh), followed by Rajasthan (623.8 lakh) and Maharashtra (585.9 lakh).
AB PMJAY, recognized as the world's largest health insurance scheme, has recently provided free health coverage to all senior citizens aged over 70 in the nation. This initiative is timely as India's elderly population is anticipated to double by 2050, increasing the demand for geriatric care. By that time, one in five individuals in India is expected to be elderly.
