According to Health Ministry data, there is a waiting period of two-four weeks for vision testing and refraction procedure for patients.
Of the four sanctioned posts of refractionists (one who measures vision), one is deputed in Parliament annexe, while one is deputed for Central Government employees and there families covered under Central Government Health Scheme and while one is on leave.
In reply to a question in Lok Sabha, Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said there was no waiting period for vision check and phacoemulsification in Safdarjung Hospital, one of the largest Central government hospital here.
"However the waiting period for vision testing/refraction is two-four weeks," he said.
Giving details of patients who visited the Eye department Out-patients department of the hospital, he said, in 2010, 40,799 new cases came while 16,891 were old patients totalling to 57,690.
He said in the year 2011, 40,508 new patients visited the OPD while 15,656 were old patients totalling to 56,164.
"As per the terms and condition of empanelment and Memorandum of Agreement signed between Hospitals and CGHS, empanelled hospitals cannot charge more than CGHS rates. As per records, no complaint of over charging by Centre for Sight from CGHS patients undergoing treatment with permission have been received," the Minister said.
He was replying to a question whether the whole amount of Rs 40,000 charged for phacoemulsification by CGHS empanelled Centre for Sight is reimbursed to CGHS beneficiaries and reasons for not imposing any penalty on the private hospital in violation of Memorandum of Agreement.
