Delivery of medicines through Speed Post as a Pilot Project in five CGHS Delhi (North Zone) Wellness Centres for a period of three months

 Delivery of medicines through Speed Post as a Pilot Project in five CGHS Delhi (North Zone) Wellness Centers for a period of three months

F.No 44/84 MCTC/CGHS/2023
Directorate General of CGHS,
Min. of H & FW
CGHS Bhawan, Sector-13, R K Puram
New Delhi-110066

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Date: 30/01/2024

Subject: Delivery of medicines through Speed Post as a Pilot Project in five CGHS Delhi (North Zone) Wellness Centres for a period of three months

CGHS has been providing comprehensive health care services including supply of medicines to its beneficiaries since last seven decades. In its endeavour to provide better services, a pilot is being launched with effect from 01 February 2024, for a period of three months (till 30 April 2024), in five Wellness Centres (Pitampura, Janakpuri 2, Rajouri Garden, Paschim Vihar and Nangal Raya) of CGHS North Zone, Delhi, whereby, CGHS beneficiaries of age 70 years and above shall be facilitated by home delivery (within Delhi NCR) of indented medicines through Speed Post (exception being injectable medicines, medicines requiring temperature- controlled storage and medicines in glass bottles, narcotics and psychotropic drugs}.

2. This pilot is being implemented in collaboration with the Department of Posts under the “Book now pay later” scheme, whereby a 30 day credit period is extended to organizations for settlement of bills.

3. The process flow for the home delivery of indented medicines shall be as follows:

70 year and above beneficiary (serving dependent or pensioner) or his authorized representative visiting the Wellness Centre, after getting medicines issued/indented from the Wellness Centre doctor for a maximum period as admissible in CGHS against a valid prescription (03 months for chronic ailments and 06 months for travel abroad}, shall collect issued medicines the same day from the pharmacy counter. Indented medicines will not be changed the next day by Wellness Centre even if available in Wellness Centre. The beneficiary shall fill a consent form (to be retained in the Wellness Centre} for home delivery of indented medicines excluding injectables, medicines requiring Cold chain storage, medicines in glass bottles, narcotics and psychotropic drugs. The consent form shall also mention that the beneficiary is aware of the dosage of the medicines and how they are to be consumed. The beneficiary/authorized representative shall also fill a label, available with the pharmacist in the Wellness Centre, with details as follows in capital letters:
a) Name
b) Beneficiary ID
c) Residential address
d) PIN code of residential address
e) Mobile number
f) Email ID (optional)

⇓

A register shall be maintained in the Wellness Centre wherein date wise entries of each beneficiary availing home delivery facility along with his name, name of authorized representative if any, ben ID, address and mobile number of the beneficiary shall be made. A print out of the entries shall be shared with Deptt. Of Posts through email/physical copy.

⇓

Towards closing time of Wellness Centre, one copy of the label shall be provided to the concerned Authorized Local Chemist (ALC) for packing medicines indented against the name and Beneficiary ID (packing will be done as per Deptt. of Posts guidelines} excluding injectables, medicines requiring Cold Chain storage, medicines in glass bottles, narcotics and psychotropic drugs. These packets shall be delivered to the concerned Wellness centre the next day morning in full quantity and without substitution. Any short supply/discrepancy shall be made good by the ALC through door step delivery to beneficiary’s home.

⇓

The label filled the previous day by the beneficiaries, having details of name, mailing address etc. will be affixed by the ALC, to the respective packets containing the indented medicines for the beneficiary. The Wellness Centre will also provide stamp bearing with name of CMO I/C, name and address of Wellness Centre, PIN code of area, Mobile number of CMO I/C to be affixed on the packet (sender details).

⇓

The nearest Speed Post centre of Deptt. of Posts will perform the following roles:

(a) Send authorized person to collect the packets from the Wellness Centres before 12pm the next day of indent placing (Day 1).

(b) Bar codes shall be affixed on the packets in the warehouse.

(c) The packets will be weighed at the warehouse before being despatched to the beneficiary for delivery within 48 hours (latest by Day 3}.

(d) If the house is found locked, then two more visits on next two days will be made (Day 4 and Day 5), after which, if undelivered, the packet will be despatched to the sender (CGHS Wellness Centre) by Day 7.

(e) SMS will be sent to the beneficiary on three occasions: when packet is booked, when it is out for delivery and at the time of delivery. Medicines shall be home delivered within 48 hours of being collected from Wellness Centre.

(f) Excel sheet with details of the beneficiary will be maintained by the Deptt. of Posts at nominal charge.

(g) Information about successful delivery will be conveyed through email to CGHS Wellness Centre.

⇓

In case any discrepancy is found in the medicines home delivered through Speed Post, the beneficiary will immediately communicate the same to the CMO I/C of the Wellness Centre. The ALC shall be required to rectify the discrepancy at the beneficiary’s doorstep.

⇓

Pharmacist in the Wellness Centre will issue” the indented medicines online, after 07 days of collection of packets by the Deptt. of Posts (so that any undelivered packet returned by Day 7 does not get issued and after 15 days, will go to unclaimed). On the physical voucher, pharmacist will mark the indented medicines sent through Speed Post and stamp them as “medicines supplied under ALC contract and home delivered through speed post”.

⇓

Any undelivered packets will be returned back to the Wellness Centre within 07 to 08 days of pick up and after 15 days will go into “unclaimed”.Role assigned to each stakeholder in the process flow:

Role assigned to each stakeholder in the process flow:-

1. CMO I/C and doctor(s) of the Wellness Centre:

(a) Display of the notice in the Wellness Centre regarding facility available to beneficiaries of age 70 years and above and spread the message through Local Advisory Committee meetings.

(b) Facilitate ready availability of the printed labels with beneficiary details and consent form at pharmacy counter, as mentioned in the process flow.

(c) Provide stamp with details of name of CMO I/C, WC name, address, mobile number of CMO I/C and PIN, to be stamped on the medicines packet.

(d) Ensure that three months medicines are indented against valid prescription by doctors.

(e) Ensure that indented medicines are not modified the next day, once the indent has been submitted online to ALC.

(f) Monitor the activities related to home delivery of medicines from time to time.

2. Role assigned to the pharmacist:

(a) Pharmacist will provide Consent Form and label to the beneficiary once his medicines have been issued/indented.

(b) Pharmacist shall ensure that daily entries are made in the concerned register regarding beneficiaries who have availed the facility and share a copy with Deptt. of Posts as email/physical copy.

(c) He will maintain a record of consent forms in the Wellness Centre.

(d) He will “issue” the indented medicines online, after 07 days of collection of packets by the Deptt. of Posts.

(e) On the physical voucher, pharmacist will mark the indented medicines sent through Speed Post and stamp them as “medicines supplied under ALC contract and home delivered through speed post”.

Role of ALC:

(a) Collect labels with details of beneficiaries desirous of door step delivery of indented medicines.

(b) Pack the indented medicines (excluding injectables, medicines requiring Cold chain storage, medicines in glass bottles, narcotics and psychotropic drugs) in full quantity and without substitution as per Deptt. of Posts guidelines. The ALC shall ensure that no item as per the list of prohibited items as issued by Department of Posts from time to time is sent through Speed Post.

(c) Deliver the packets with correct labels (with beneficiary contact details) to the Wellness Centre. Affix the stamp with Wellness Centre contact details on the packet.

(d) In case of discrepancy in the supplied medicines, the ALC will make good the shortcoming at the door step of the beneficiary.

Role of beneficiary:

(a) Carry valid prescription for issue/indent of medicines. Provide proper authorization in case representative is sent for issue/indent of medicines.

(b) Provide consent for home delivery of medicines and agree to the terms mentioned in the Consent Form.

(c) Provide legible and correct contact details for door step delivery through speed post.

(d) Convey to CMO I/C immediately in case of discrepancy in indented drugs delivered through speed post.

4. Role of Deptt. of Posts:

(a) Agreement with CGHS on BNPL scheme of Speed Post. Execute MoU with CGHS post the pilot project phase.

(b) Guide the ALC regarding packing of medicines before initiation of the pilot project.

(c) Collect the packets from the Wellness Centres before 12pm the next day of indent placing.

(d) Bar codes shall be affixed on the packets in the warehouse.

(e) The packets will be weighed at the warehouse before being despatched to the beneficiary.

(f) If house is found locked, then two more visits will be made on next two days, after which the undelivered packet will be despatched back to the Wellness Centre.

(g) SMS will be sent to the beneficiary on three occasions: when packet is booked, when it is out for delivery and at the time of delivery. Medicines shall be home delivered within 48 hours of being collected from Wellness Centre.

(h) Excel sheet with details of the beneficiary will be maintained by the Deptt. of Posts at nominal charge.

(i) Information about successful delivery will be conveyed through email to CGHS Wellness Centre.

Role of Additional Director;

(a) Ensure timely payment to Deptt. of Posts

(b) Ensure smooth implementation of the pilot phase.

Signed by

Manoj Jain
Director CGHS

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Amendment in CCS Pension Rules: Women now have the right to nominate son or daughter for family pension instead of the husband.

 Amendment in CCS Pension Rules: Women now have the right to nominate son or daughter for family pension instead of the husband.

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension

In a pathbreaking decision with far reaching socio-economic impact and in keeping with PM Modi’s policy to provide equitable rights to women, the Government has amended the long standing established rule, thereby granting the woman employee the right to nominate her son or daughter for family pension, instead of her husband as has been the practice so far, says Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh

Govt amends CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, allowing female employees or pensioners to grant family pension to their eligible child/children after their own demise, instead of their spouse

The amendment addresses situations where marital discord leads to divorce proceedings or cases filed under acts such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, Dowry Prohibition Act, or IPC

“It is the Prime Minister’s priority that no woman should be deprived of equal opportunities and rights”: Dr Jitendra Singh

Posted On: 29 JAN 2024 5:00PM by PIB Delhi

In a pathbreaking decision with far reaching socio-economic impact and in keeping with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s policy to provide equitable rights to women, the Government has amended the long standing established rule, thereby granting the woman employee the right to nominate her son or daughter for family pension, instead of her husband as has been practice so far.

Sharing this with the media, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoP&PW) has introduced an amendment to the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, allowing female government employees or pensioners to grant family pension to their eligible child/children after their own demise, instead of their spouse.

The amendment will address situations where marital discord leads to divorce proceedings or cases filed under acts such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, Dowry Prohibition Act or the Indian Penal Code, the Minister said.

Previously, family pension was granted to the spouse of a deceased government servant or pensioner, while other family members became eligible only after the spouse’s ineligibility or demise. However, the new amendment allows female government servants or pensioners to request the grant of family pension to their eligible child/children after their own demise, instead of their spouse.

Hailing the move, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the amendment is in line with PM Modi’s policy of giving equitable, just and legitimate rights to the women functionaries in every sector, whether it be Permanent Commission to Women in the Armed Forces or Women’s Reservation Amendment in Parliament.

 In an office memorandum, the DoP&PW said, the female government servant or pensioner must make a written request to the concerned Head of Office, stating that family pension should be granted to her eligible child/children in precedence to her spouse, in the event of her death during the ongoing proceedings. If the female government servant or pensioner passes away during the proceedings, the family pension will be disbursed accordingly. 

The DoP&PW notification said, if a woman employee is survived by a widower with no eligible child, the family pension will be payable to the widower. However, if the widower is the guardian of a minor child or a child suffering from a mental disorder, the family pension will be payable to the widower, as long as he remains the guardian. Once the child attains majority and remains eligible for family pension, it will be payable directly to the child.

For cases where the deceased female government servant or pensioner is survived by a widower and children who have attained majority but are still eligible for family pension, the family pension will be payable to such children. After all eligible children cease to be eligible for family pension, it will become payable to the widower until his death or remarriage, whichever occurs first.

Dr Jitendra Singh, who is also Incharge DoPT (Department of Personnel & Training), said that a series of Governance reforms have been introduced under PM Modi to provide an enabling environment for working women.

Dwelling on the Women-Centric reforms in Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare, Dr Jitendra Singh said, an earlier order enabled a divorced daughter, in whose case a decree of divorce was issued after the death of her parents, to be eligible for family pension if the divorce petition was filed before death of the parents.

Similarly, he said, the families of missing employees covered under NPS can now get family pension within 6 months of lodging FIR and not wait for 7 years after which employee is considered deemed dead. Even in cases where the Government servant dies before completing a service of 7 years, family pension shall be payable to the family at enhanced rate of 50% of last pay for the first 10 years and thereafter @ 30% of last pay.

The Minister said, DoPT has taken concerted efforts to increase the representation of women in Central Government jobs and to provide them a balance between professional as well as family life. A series of amendments have been issued by the DoPT related to Child Care Leave (CCL); Leave Travel Concession (LTC) and foreign travel for Women employees on CCL; grant of Special Allowance @ Rs.3000/- p.m. to Women employees with Disability for child care with effect from 1st July, 2022, which will increase by 25% on increase of DA by 50%; Special Leave provision for an aggrieved female Government Servant in matters of sexual harassment and grant of Special Maternity Leave of 60 days to a female Central Government Servant in case of death of a child soon after birth / stillbirth. [Source: PIB]

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Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (2016=100) – December, 2023

 Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (2016=100) – December, 2023

The All-India CPI-IW for December, 2023 decreased by 0.3 points and stood at 138.8 (one hundred thirty eight point eight). On one-month percentage change, it decreased by 0.22 per cent with respect to previous month as compared to decrease of 0.15 per cent recorded between corresponding months a year ago.

The Labour Bureau, an attached office of the M/o Labour & Employment, has been compiling Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers every month on the basis of retail prices collected from 317 markets spread over 88 industrially important centres in the country. The index is compiled for 88 centres and All-India and released on the last working day of succeeding month. The index for the month of December, 2023 is being released in this press release.

The maximum downward pressure in current index came from Food & Beverages group contributing 0.45 percentage points to the total change. At item level, Rice, Poultry/Chicken, Mustard Oil, Apple, Banana, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Capsicum, Carrot, French-Beans, Green Coriander Leaves, Ginger, Onion, Potato, Tomato, Peas, Radish, Electricity Charges (Domestic), etc. are responsible for the fall in index. However, this decrease was largely checked by Wheat, Buffalo Milk, Fish Fresh, Brinjal, Drumstick, Garlic, Lady’s Finger, Sugar White, Cooked Meals, Leaf Tobacco, Pan Finished, Trouser Pant Readymade, Leather Sandal/Chappal/Slippers, Electric Batteries, Employees State Insurance (ESI) Contribution, Tooth Paste/Tooth Powder, Auto-rickshaw/Scooter fare, Bus Fare, etc. putting upward pressure on the index.

At centre level, Coimbatore recorded a maximum decrease of 4.7 points followed by Ludhiana with 3.2 points. Among others, 6 centres recorded decrease between 2 to 2.9 points, 18 centres between 1 to 1.9 points and 33 centres between 0.1 to 0.9 points. On the contrary, Solapur recorded a maximum increase of 1.5 points. Among others, 6 centres recorded increase between 1 to 1.4 points and 19 centres between 0.1 to 0.9 points. Rest of 3 centres’ indices remained stationary.

Year-on-year inflation for the month stood at 4.91 per cent compared to 4.98 per cent for the previous month and 5.50 per cent during the corresponding month a year before. Similarly, Food inflation stood at 8.18 per cent against 7.95 per cent of the previous month and 4.10 per cent during the corresponding month a year ago.

Y-o-Y Inflation based on CPI-IW (Food and General)

All-India Group-wise CPI-IW for November, 2023 and December, 2023

Sr. No.	Groups	November, 2023	December, 2023
I	Food & Beverages	143.9	142.8
II	Pan, Supari, Tobacco & Intoxicants	157.7	157.8
III	Clothing & Footwear	140.8	141.1
IV	Housing	125.7	125.7
V	Fuel & Light	161.9	161.8
VI	Miscellaneous	135.2	135.5
	General Index	139.1	138.8

CPI-IW: Groups Indices

The next issue of CPI-IW for the month of January, 2024 will be released on Thursday, 29th February, 2024. The same will also be available on the office

Source : PDF

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December 2023 CPI-IW Released: All-India Index Declines to 138.8

 December 2023 CPI-IW Released: All-India Index Declines to 138.8

The Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) for December 2023 has been released by the Labour Bureau. The All-India CPI-IW decreased by 0.3 points, reaching 138.8. This decline is attributed to a 0.22% decrease in the one-month percentage change compared to the previous month and a 0.15% decrease compared to the same month last year.

The major contributing factor to the decrease was the Food & Beverages group, which accounted for a 0.45 percentage point reduction. Items such as Rice, Poultry/Chicken, Mustard Oil, and various vegetables were responsible for the decline, countered by the positive impact from items like Wheat, Buffalo Milk, and other goods.

At the center level, Coimbatore saw the maximum decrease of 4.7 points, while Solapur recorded the highest increase of 1.5 points. Year-on-year inflation for December stood at 4.91%, with Food inflation at 8.18%. The group-wise CPI-IW for November 2023 and December 2023 shows fluctuations in different categories, with the General Index declining from 139.1 to 138.8.

The next CPI-IW report for January 2024 is scheduled for release on February 29, 2024, and will be available on the official website www.labourbureau.gov.in.

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Success Story of Pension Adalat: Migration from NPS to CCS (Pension) Rules i.r.o. Sh. Tanoj Kumar Debnath

 Success Story of Pension Adalat: Migration from NPS to CCS (Pension) Rules i.r.o. Sh. Tanoj Kumar Debnath

Success Story

3. Sh. Tanoj Kumar Debnath- Migration from NPS to CCS (Pension) Rules

Introduction:

The transition from the National Pension System (NPS) to the Central Civil Services (Pension) rules can be a complex and challenging process. Sh. Tanoj Kumar Debnath, a military pensioner, embarked on this journey to secure the benefits under the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). His determination and perseverance led to a successful migration, underscoring the importance of clarity and procedural fairness in pension-related matters.

The Background:

Tanoj Kumar Debnath’s professional journey led him to Air Headquarters, where he was appointed before January 1, 2004. Despite his initial appointment predating the implementation of the NPS, he found himself inducted into the system. Serving as a Superintendent, he retired from his military career on November 15, 2016, with the challenges of navigating the NPS framework.

The Turning Point:

In a significant development, the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DOPPW) issued an Office Memorandum (OM) dated 17.2.2020, providing an opportunity for individuals like Sh. Tanoj Kumar Debnath to migrate from NPS to the Old Pension Scheme. Taking advantage of this directive, his approval for the benefits under OPS was granted by Air Headquarters on September 21, 2020.

However, despite the approval, Sh. Debnath found himself not receiving the benefits to which he was entitled under the Old Pension Scheme. Undeterred by the challenges, he took the proactive step of registering a grievance on the CPENGRAMS portal on November 17, 2022. This marked the beginning of his quest for a resolution to ensure he received the pension benefits he rightfully deserved.

The Intervention of the Pension Adalat:

The Pension Adalat, a mechanism designed to address pension-related grievances, played a pivotal role in Sh. Tanoj Kumar Debnath’s case. On May 17, 2023, the Pension Adalat considered his grievance, bringing his situation to the forefront for a thorough evaluation.

Resolution and Success:

In response to the Pension Adalat’s consideration, the Department of Military Affairs provided a positive update. It was revealed that Sh. Debnath had successfully refunded the entire NPS Corpus, including the 60% lump sum, as required for the migration to the Central Civil Services (Pension) rules. Furthermore, the necessary actions for the sanction of pension under CCS rules had been completed.

Sh. Tanoj Kumar Debnath’s success story serves as an inspiring example of an individual’s resilience in navigating bureaucratic intricacies to secure his rightful pension benefits. His ability to overcome challenges, coupled with the support of grievance redressal mechanisms and the clear directives from the DOPPW, highlights the importance of transparency and fairness in the pension migration process.

Conclusion:

Sh. Tanoj Kumar Debnath’s journey from NPS to CCS (Pension) Rules is a testament to the triumph of perseverance and clarity in navigating the complexities of pension schemes. His success underscores the significance of proactive grievance redressal and the need for transparent procedures in ensuring that pensioners receive their rightful benefits. As we celebrate Sh. Debnath’s accomplishment, let it serve as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges, emphasizing that with determination and the right channels, one can successfully navigate the intricate path towards securing pension benefits.

Source: DoPPW

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Success Story of Pension Adalat: Miss Sumitra Devi- Sanction of Family Pension to dependent unmarried daughter after 21 years

 Success Story of Pension Adalat: Miss Sumitra Devi- Sanction of Family Pension to dependent unmarried daughter after 21 years

Success Story

4. Miss Sumitra Devi- Sanction of Family Pension to dependent unmarried daughter after 21 years

Introduction:

The journey towards securing entitlements following the demise of a loved one can be fraught with challenges, bureaucracy, and, at times, prolonged waiting periods. Miss Sumitra Devi’s poignant tale revolves around her determined pursuit of justice and the sanction of family pension as the dependent unmarried daughter of SI Hiralal from the Army Airborne Training School, Agra. The successful resolution of her grievance showcases the power of perseverance, highlighting the importance of streamlined processes in ensuring timely and rightful benefits.

The Unfortunate Demise:

The story begins with the unfortunate demise of SI Hiralal, who served with distinction at the Army Airborne Training School in Agra. His passing left behind a grieving family, and his wife, Smt. Premvati Devi, rightfully submitted a claim for family pension to sustain their livelihood after the loss of the primary breadwinner.

A Tragic Turn:

Tragically, the untimely demise of Smt. Premvati Devi on July 31, 2002, added another layer of complexity to the situation. With the claim for family pension still pending, the burden fell upon Miss Sumitra Devi, the unmarried dependent daughter of SI Hiralal, to navigate the intricacies of bureaucracy and ensure the family’s entitlements were rightfully granted.

The Initiative:

In a commendable move towards seeking resolution, Miss Sumitra Devi took the initiative to register a grievance on the CPENGRAMS portal on October 17, 2022. Her grievance aimed at expediting the settlement of the long-pending family pension claim and bringing closure to the prolonged wait for justice.

The Grievance Resolution Process:

The Pension Adalat, designed to address pension-related grievances, played a pivotal role in Sumitra Devi’s case. On May 17, 2023, the Adalat considered her grievance and brought to light some incongruities in the documents submitted by the claimant, which had contributed to the delay in processing the family pension.

The Department’s Response:

The department, while acknowledging the delays caused by document discrepancies, assured that necessary verifications were underway. Thanks to Sumitra Devi’s perseverance and dedication, all the required documents were promptly submitted, paving the way for a swift resolution. The department informed that the case had been resolved, and it was now submitted to the accounts department for further processing.

Sumitra Devi’s Triumph:

Miss Sumitra Devi’s unwavering determination, coupled with her commitment to good governance, has proven instrumental in moving the wheels of justice forward. After a 21-year-long struggle, her family can finally look forward to the sanction of the much-awaited family pension. This success story serves as an inspiring example of an individual’s resilience in navigating bureaucratic complexities to secure rightful entitlements.

Conclusion:

Miss Sumitra Devi’s triumphant journey towards the sanction of family pension after 21 years stands as a testament to the significance of perseverance, initiative, and streamlined grievance resolution processes. Her success not only brings relief to her family but also underscores the importance of efficient and compassionate administration in ensuring that beneficiaries receive their entitled benefits in a timely manner. As we celebrate Sumitra Devi’s victory, let it serve as a reminder that every individual’s quest for justice can make a meaningful impact, contributing to a more just and responsive system.

Source: DoPPW

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