“The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) services which started in 1954 from Gol Market in Delhi expanded to only 25 cities till 2014. However, in the last five years under the NDA Government, they have been extended to as many as 71 cities. The progress that we have achieved under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji can be clearly seen. We are aggressively witnessing reforms in every area of the health sector,” said Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare at the inauguration of the state-of-the-art CGHS Bhawan, in New Delhi recently in the presence of Meenakshi Lekhi, Member of Parliament, New Delhi.
At the event, Dr Harsh Vardhan also launched the new annual health check-up scheme of CGHS beneficiaries who are pensioners aged 75 years and above. He stated that CGHS services should be made available in 100 cities by 2022, when the Prime Minister wishes to deliver a New India to all the citizens.
The new Bhawan is the CGHS Headquarters and houses the administrative section, the CGHS Card section, and a state-of-the-art modern and well-equipped wellness centre.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Dr Harsh Vardhan said that CGHS services have undergone a remarkable positive change. While the rules have been simplified, several people-friendly facilities have also been added. “The scheme has the potential of becoming one of the best in the world. I wish you to have an internal brainstorming among senior CGHS doctors to evaluate the possibilities of further improvement of the scheme, for strengthening the transparency and adding further reforms”, he elaborated. The Union health Minister assured the CGHS doctors that all positive reforms shall be incorporated in the planning. He also appealed to the CGHS beneficiaries to send their positive suggestions for improvement of the services. In addition, he appreciated the new CGHS initiative of calling telephonically and inquiring about the health of beneficiaries who are above 80 years of age. The Health Minister stressed on the need for compassion and politeness in the behaviour of doctors towards their patients.