CGHS decentralizes medical approval process in India

The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has introduced a decentralized approval procedure for specific medical cases previously managed by the Standing Technical Committee (STC) under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). This measure aims to streamline processes and reduce the necessity for referrals to the Directorate or STC.

The new guidelines empower Additional Directors of CGHS to grant approvals within delegated financial powers for five specific categories: transplant cases with notified rates, listed procedures and devices (such as cochlear implants, CPAP, and BiPAP), STC-restricted medicines, unlisted treatments or implants, and robotic surgery for cancer patients.

No separate referral or permission is required if treatment is sought at AIIMS, Institutions of National Importance, Tata Memorial Hospital, or other Central or State Government medical institutions. To qualify, cases must be supported by a government specialist or two specialists from CGHS-empanelled hospitals and must undergo scrutiny by a three-member Local Technical Committee.