CCS Medical Attendance Rules

India has a set of written medical guidelines for central government employees called Central Civil Services (CCS) Medical Attendance Rules. These guidelines apply to all governmental employees, except railroad and non-gazetted rank employees. The guidelines specifically outline what medical procedures and examinations are covered inside and outside of India and under what circumstances.

Coverage

• Certain medical procedures are covered when performed in India. These include correction of squint eye, sterility, sterilization, venereal disease treatment, blood and transfusion issues, vaccinations, and pre- and post-natal services. The medical rules allow certain procedures to be conducted outside of India, including cardiovascular surgery, laser surgery, organ transplant and certain oncology disorders.

Location of Medical Facilities

• A central government servant may seek medical treatment at any governmentally recognized medical facility, hospitals attached to public sector projects, railway hospitals and pay clinics. The government must approve the request for hospitalization.

Reimbursement

• Central government employees must complete paperwork to be reimbursed for medical expenses. The government allows some reimbursement for traveling medical expenses for the patient, and in cases of kidney transplant, the donor as well. Traveling medical expenses are paid if a journey must be undertaken to receive medical care. This means that the hospital or facility is not in the same city as the employee.

Eligibility

• Certain family members of the government employee are allowed coverage: spouses (including multiple wives), parents and stepmother, children, widowed and divorced daughters, sisters and brothers. Some age limits apply to each group. Claims must be filed with the government, through the Central Group Health Scheme (CGHS).