CGHS Goes Digital: Faster Approvals for Respiratory Devices Like CPAP, BiPAP, and Oxygen Concentrators

In a move set to revolutionize the approval process for life-supporting respiratory devices, the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) has announced a full transition to online processing for obtaining permissions for CPAP, BiPAP, and Oxygen Concentrators. This initiative aims to eliminate bureaucratic delays, significantly reducing the approval timeline from the existing 15 to 45 days.

The Office Memorandum issued by the Directorate General of CGHS details the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for this digital transition, ensuring that pensioner beneficiaries get timely access to essential respiratory aids without unnecessary hurdles.

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A Tedious Process Finally Gets a Digital Overhaul

Until now, CGHS beneficiaries seeking permission for respiratory devices faced a cumbersome, fully offline process. The approval journey involved:

• Submitting physical documents at the Wellness Centre.
• Transporting these files via dak to the Additional Director (Reimbursement and Hospitalization).
• Forwarding them to the Committee of Respiratory Medicine Specialists for assessment.
• Returning the file back to the Additional Director before the final permission letter was issued.

This outdated system not only led to delays spanning weeks but also forced pensioners to rent respiratory devices out-of-pocket while waiting for approvals, as these costs are not reimbursable.

Recognizing the distress this caused, CGHS has now introduced a seamless, end-to-end digital process.

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What Changes Under the New Online System?

With this transition, the approval process will now be conducted entirely online, cutting down unnecessary paperwork and delays. The key steps include:

1. Digital Submission of Applications at Wellness Centres

• Beneficiaries must submit a complete application at their respective Wellness Centre.
• Documents must adhere to the attached checklist (Annexure A), including properly filled proformas (Annexures B, C, D, E).
• Instead of physical transport, applications will be scanned and emailed to the concerned Additional Director for processing.

2. Fast-Tracking the Process with High-Speed Scanners

• To ensure a smooth transition, all Wellness Centres are being equipped with high-speed scanners.
• Where scanners are not yet available, physical documents will still be accepted but must be dispatched via dak within one or two days.

3. Priority Review & Immediate Rectification

• Applications will be scrutinized on a priority basis by the Additional Director’s office.
• Any deficiencies will be immediately communicated to the beneficiary via phone and email for correction.
• Once the application is complete in all respects, it will be digitally uploaded in the CGHS eFile system.

4. Digital Tracking & Record-Keeping

• The subject line of the eFile will now include the beneficiary’s name and ID, ensuring all future permissions for the same beneficiary are recorded in the same file.
• A dedicated Excel tracker will maintain:
  • The eFile number.
  • Beneficiary details.
  • The device and permission status, enabling easy tracking of approvals.

5. Committee Review & Digital Approval

• The eFile will be sent to the CGHS Headquarters and reviewed by the Committee of Respiratory Medicine Specialists.
• Their recommendation will be digitally uploaded and forwarded to the Additional Director of the relevant city or zone.

6. Fully Digital Permission Letters

• Instead of issuing physical letters, permission letters will now be generated through eOffice, digitally signed by the Additional Director.
• The beneficiary will receive the approval or rejection via email, with an option to collect a physical copy if needed.

For more details read the full OM below: