RSCWS Urges Health Ministry to Ensure CGHS Rates for Retired Railway Pensioners in All NABH Hospitals

The Railway Senior Citizens Welfare Society (RSCWS) has written to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare seeking a key reform that could significantly ease the healthcare burden on thousands of retired railway employees across the country. The representation, dated 19 November 2025, requests the Ministry to mandate that all NABH-accredited hospitals provide treatment to retired Railway pensioners at CGHS rates, irrespective of empanelment status.

Retired Railway Pensioners Facing Difficulties Despite UMID Cards

RSCWS notes that although retired railway personnel possess valid UMID (Unique Medical Identity) cards, many still face hurdles in obtaining treatment at CGHS rates in NABH-accredited facilities. These hospitals already extend services to beneficiaries under several Central Government health schemes, including CGHS, ECHS, and Railway Health Services. Despite this, a large section of retired Railway pensioners continues to encounter inconsistent billing and accessibility issues.

Proposed Clause for NABH Accreditation Schedule

To resolve this disparity, RSCWS has requested the Ministry to incorporate a specific clause into the NABH Accreditation Schedule and related empanelment norms. The suggested clause reads:
“All NABH-accredited hospitals shall extend medical services and treatments to all retired central government pensioners, including Railway pensioners possessing valid UMID cards, at rates applicable to CGHS beneficiaries, for all available specialties and procedures.”

The Society emphasizes that this provision should apply irrespective of empanelment:

• If the hospital is empanelled, the Railway administration would bear the treatment cost.
• If not empanelled, the pensioner may still avail treatment at CGHS rates by paying directly and later seeking reimbursement from the concerned Railway authority.

Key Benefits Outlined by RSCWS

According to the representation, incorporating such a clause would:

• Harmonize treatment and billing structures across health schemes for all Central Government pensioners.
• Prevent financial hardship among elderly retired Railway employees.
• Promote fairness and equality in healthcare access across government retiree groups.
• Simplify administrative processes for hospitals through a unified CGHS rate schedule.

Request for Early Action

The letter has been addressed to the Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, with copies sent to the Chairman, Railway Board, the CEO, NABH, and key officials in Northern Railway and the Ministry of Railways for follow-up. The Society has sought favorable consideration and prompt instructions to ensure nationwide implementation.

View RSCWS Letter:

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