In India, access to quality healthcare services is a major challenge especially for underprivileged people who cannot afford the steep bills of private healthcare facilities. Health insurance schemes like PMJAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana) and CGHS (Central Govt Health Scheme) are important to provide a safety net for millions of Indians who had previously been deprived of access to basic healthcare facilities.
PMJAY is a flagship health insurance scheme of the Government of India under the Ayushman Bharat Programme, aimed at providing health insurance coverage to 10 crore families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) who are economically weaker section (EWS), vulnerable and deprived. It covers a wide range of medical and surgical procedures including tertiary care, day care surgeries, and chemotherapy, etc., and provides a benefit cover of Rs 5 lakhs per family per year. It aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for poor families, decrease mortality rate, and improve public health outcomes.
On the other hand, CGHS is a central govt health scheme that provides comprehensive healthcare facilities and coverage to eligible central government employees, pensioners, and their dependent family members. It was launched in 1954 with the objective of providing medical assistance to Central Government employees as a welfare measure. Today, it has expanded to cover nearly 34 lakh beneficiaries enrolled across different cities in India. CGHS offers cashless medical treatment facilities to the beneficiaries of the scheme. It also provides several diagnostic facilities, wellness services, and preventive health checkups for the convenience of beneficiaries.
While both schemes are aimed at providing financial assistance to individuals for medical expenses, there are some differences between them. The PMJAY scheme is aimed at providing a safety net to vulnerable sections of the society such as peasants, the elderly, and those living below the poverty line. CGHS, on the other hand, is meant to benefit central government employees and pensioners. The eligibility criteria for both schemes are different and so are the benefits provided.
Taking the first step towards availing of these healthcare schemes is by registering on their respective online platforms. The Government of India has introduced a one-stop platform where eligible individuals can register for both PMJAY and CGHS by following a few simple steps. The one-stop registration portal is designed to make the PMJAY registration process more accessible and user-friendly by reducing the burden on individuals and simplifying the process. The registration process is quick, easy, and can be completed from the convenience of your home or office.
To register for PMJAY on the one-stop portal, here are some easy steps one needs to follow:
1. Go to the official website – https://pmjay.gov.in/.
2. Click on Am I Eligible to check your eligibility.
3. Enter your mobile number and Captcha code and click on generate OTP.
4. Enter the OTP received on your mobile.
5. Choose your state, district, sub-district, and enter your name and ration card number.
6. Click on submit and you will be taken to the application form.
7. Fill in your details, including your name, gender, age, address, and bank details.
8. Upload your photograph and ID proof (Aadhaar card, voter ID, PAN card, etc.).
9. Submit your application.
10. Download the e-card or print it for future reference.
Similarly, to register for CGHS, one needs to follow these steps:
1. Go to the official website of CGHS – https://cghs.nic.in/.
2. Click on the Apply Online button.
3. Register yourself by filling in your details such as name, date of birth, and contact details.
4. Choose your city of residence and select your nearest CGHS wellness center.
5. Upload relevant documents such as ID proof, address proof, and photograph.
6. Pay the registration fee through online mode.
7. Submit your application and take a printout of the registration slip.
The registration process for both PMJAY and CGHS is straightforward and should take no more than 10-15 minutes. However, it is important to make sure that all the details are entered accurately to avoid any complications in the future. Once registered, the beneficiaries can avail of all the benefits of the schemes by visiting the designated hospitals and clinics. To utilize the benefits, they need to present their PMJAY or CGHS card at the time of availing services.
Conclusion
PMJAY and CGHS are two important healthcare schemes aimed at providing financial assistance to people for their medical expenses. The one-stop registration portal makes it easy for individuals to register for both schemes without any hassle. By registering for these schemes, eligible individuals can ensure that they have access to the best medical care facilities without worrying about the steep bills. It is time everyone takes advantage of such schemes and live a healthy and worry-free life.