AIRF requests reimbursement for medicines bought from nearby stores

The All India Railwaymen’s Federation ha\ve written to the Railway Board seeking permission to purchase prescribed medicines from a nearby store and the cost to be reimbursed. The request was made in the wake of the prevailing pandemic which made moving around undesirable. The demand was made for the special sanction till 28th February 2021. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare had issued an order whereby CGHS beneficiaries getting medicines for Chronic Diseases can purchase medicines prescribed by authorized Medical Authorities from the market up to 28th February 2021.

All India Railwaymen’s Federation

Dated: January 4, 2021

The D.G.(R.H.S.),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Reimbursement of cost of OPD Medicines: Special Sanction in view of COVID-19 – Till 28th February, 2021 – Regarding

Ref.: MoH&FW’s O.M. No.Z 15025/12/2020/DIR/CGHS dated 29.12.2020

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare vide their OMs dated 27.03.2020, 29.04.2020, 29.05.2020, 24.08.2020 and 30.09.2020 had issued instructions in regard to options to CGHS beneficiaries getting medicines for Chronic Diseases to purchase medicines prescribed by authorised Medical Authorities from the market till 31.12.2020 due COVID-19 Pandemic. The said Ministry, vide their O.M. dated 29.12.2020 has further extended the currency of option up to 28th February, 2021.

A large number of Railway Medical Beneficiaries, in general and RELHS Cardholders, in particular, are also having Chronic Ailments, for which they have to take regular medicines prescribed by the Railway Medical Authorities.

Since it is not desirable to move around for getting these medicines from Railway Dispensaries/Hospitals due to spread of COVID-19 Pandemic, they should also be permitted to purchase medicines, already prescribed by the Railway Medical Authorities, from nearby market, and the cost of the same be reimbursed to them as has been done by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in case of CGHS Beneficiaries.

An early action in the matter shall be highly appreciated.

√Copy to: GSs, All Affiliated Unions – for information.