सीजीएचएस लाभार्थियों को एम्बुलेंस शुल्क की प्रतिपूर्ति
Reimbursement of Ambulance Charges to CGHS Beneficiaries: The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare issued an important Office Memorandum on 17 January 2011 clarifying the rules governing reimbursement of ambulance charges for Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) beneficiaries. The clarification came in response to several representations from employees, pensioners, and departments seeking clear guidelines on this matter.
Purpose of the Clarification
The Office Memorandum clearly defines the conditions under which reimbursement of ambulance expenses is permitted. The clarification is applicable to both serving Central Government employees and pensioners covered under CGHS.
Conditions for Reimbursement of Ambulance Charges
The Ministry clarified that reimbursement is admissible only when both conditions below are fulfilled:
1. Mandatory Medical Certification
The treating doctor must certify in writing that transporting the patient by any other means would:
• Endanger the patient’s life, OR
• Seriously aggravate the patient’s medical condition.
This certification is compulsory for the claim to be processed.
2. Journey Must Be Within the Same City
Reimbursement of ambulance charges is permitted only when the patient’s transport occurs within the same city. Inter-city ambulance travel is not eligible for reimbursement under this guideline.
Authority and Financial Concurrence
The clarification was issued with the concurrence of the Integrated Finance Division (IFD) under Dy. No. 4888/Dt.11.01.2011 of the AS&FA, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
The Office Memorandum was formally signed by the Under Secretary to the Government of India, ensuring nationwide implementation across all CGHS-related administrative units.
Who Must Follow These Instructions?
The guidelines have been circulated to:
- All Ministries and Departments of the Government of India
- Director, CGHS, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi
- Additional and Joint Directors of CGHS in cities outside Delhi
- All Pay & Accounts Officers under CGHS
These authorities must follow the updated rules when processing ambulance reimbursement claims.
This Office Memorandum provides clear and essential guidance for CGHS beneficiaries seeking reimbursement of ambulance charges. The two critical requirements—doctor’s written certification and same-city travel—ensure that only medically justified ambulance services are reimbursed.
This clarification helps streamline the claim process and ensures fairness for both serving employees and pensioners covered under CGHS.
Source: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare – Office Memorandum dated 17 January 2011
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