No Increase in FMA for CG Pensioners
The government has announced that there will be no increase in the fixed medical allowance provided to central government pensioners. Despite rising healthcare costs and inflation, the allowance will remain stagnant, causing concern among retired government employees who rely on this allowance to cover their medical expenses. This decision could potentially impact the quality of life for many of these pensioners, and some are calling for a revision of the policy to better support those in need.
What is Fixed Medical Allowance?
It is a monthly allowance provided to government pensioners and family pensioners to cover their day-to-day medical expenses. The need for a fixed medical allowance for Central Civil Pensioners and Family Pensioners is clear. With rising medical costs, pensioners are struggling to afford the necessary treatments and medications they require. This is especially true for elderly pensioners who may not have access to other sources of income. A fixed medical allowance would help to alleviate this financial burden and ensure that pensioners are able to receive the care they need. Furthermore, a fixed medical allowance would provide pensioners with greater peace of mind. Knowing that they have access to a reliable source of funds for medical expenses would reduce their stress and allow them to focus on their health and well-being. This would be especially beneficial for those who are suffering from chronic illnesses or disabilities.
FMA Increase 1000 to 3000 Per Month!
Recently the RSCWS (Railway Senior Citizens Welfare Society) writes a letter to the Secretary of Finance (Expenditure) regarding the enhancement of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) from Rs.1000 to Rs.3000 per month for Railway pensioners & family pensioners.
No Proposal to increase Fixed Medical Allowance for Central Civil Pensioners and Family Pensioners
While answering a question in Parliament, the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh said the Fixed Medical Allowance has been increased from 500 to 1000 per month from July 2017.
The Central Government Civil Pensioners and Family Pensioners residing in areas that are not covered by the Central Government Health Scheme administered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and its corresponding health schemes administered by other Ministries/Departments for their retired employees, who are not using the outpatient medical treatment (OPD Facilities) of that scheme, have the right to a Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) of Rs. 1000 per month.
The Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) of Rs.1000 per month is in place to cover the daily medical expenses of individuals, which do not necessitate hospitalization. Initially set to Rs. 100 per month in 1997, the allowance has been revised numerous times since then, with an Rs. 300 per month update in 2008 and an increase to Rs. 500 per month in 2014. Recently, the FMA was once again increased to Rs.1000 per month with effect from 01.07.2017.
FMA Rate Chart for Pensioners
| 1997 | Rs. 100 per month |
| 2008 | Rs. 300 per month |
| 2014 | Rs. 500 per month |
| 2017 | Rs. 1000 per month |
FMA Rs. 1000 Per Month DoPT Circular PDF Download
Is there any increase in Fixed Medical Allowance for Railway pensioners?
Yes, the Railway Senior Citizens Welfare Society has requested an increase from Rs.1000 to Rs.3000 per month for Railway pensioners & family pensioners.
Will this increase apply to Central Civil Pensioners?
No, at the moment there is no proposal to increase Fixed Medical Allowance for Central Civil Pensioners and Family Pensioners.
When was the last increase in Fixed Medical Allowance implemented?
The Fixed Medical Allowance was increased from 500 to 1000 per month from July 2017.
Who is the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions?
The current Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions is Dr. Jitendra Singh.
The increase of fixed medical allowance to a few pensioners to rs3000 is long overdue. This was recommended by a parliament committee in 2021 itself. Many pensioners have died in the meantime. Whoever is left out has to manage with the meagre allowance of rs 1000 given. It is high time the govt issue order to increase the allowance to rs3000 I t would cost the govt a few lakh of rupees
T. R. Subramanian retd judge