Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the Union Health ministry has said drugs should be delivered to the homes of CGHS beneficiaries aged 60 and above and also those having co-morbid conditions like diabetes or undergoing immuno-suppressant treatments so that they dont have to visit the wellness centres.
In its order, the ministry said medicines may be issued for three months at a time (in case of chronic diseases) through an authorised representative.
Elderly beneficiaries aged 60 or above, beneficiaries undergoing immuno-suppressant treatment like organ transplant, chemotherapy etc, uncontrolled diabetes/decompensated cardiac status or any other illness compelling stay at home would be able to avail the facility, it said.
The Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) and other Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) staff shall be sensitised to ensure strict compliance with these directions, the order said.
In a separate order,the ministry askedthe additional directors, CGHS to ensure optimum utilisation of manpower at their disposal in view of their shortage at the wellness centre because of the deployment of CGHS medical officers at airports and other locations for surveillance.
"All leaves for the staff except on medical grounds, accompanied by medical certificate from a government doctor shall be cancelled," it read.
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The ministry also asked them to advise CGHS beneficiaries to utilise online appointment system so that waiting is minimised and there is no overcrowding.
Further, in an office memorandum, the health ministry stated that CGHS beneficiaries getting medicines for chronic diseases may purchase them based on the prescription held till April 30 irrespective of non-availability of certificate from CGHS or otherwise.
"The idea behind the measures is that CGHS beneficiaries need not visit CGHS wellness centres to collect medicines till April 30," the office memorandum stated.