GUIDELINES / CRITERIA FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES FOR IN-VITRO FERTILISATION (IVF) TREATMENT TO CGHS BENEFICIARIES AND BENEFICIARIES UNDER CENTRAL SERVICES (MEDICAL ATTENDANCE) RULES. 1944

Government of India

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Department of Health & Family Welfare

Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi 110 108

No: Z.15025/5/201 1-CGHS III/CGHS (P)  Dated, 2 November, 2011

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Guidelines / Criteria for reimbursement of expenses for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment to CGHS beneficiaries and beneficiaries under Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules. 1944.

            The undersigned is directed to say that the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has been receiving requests for providing clarifications as to whether the expenditure incurred on In-Vitro Fertilisation ((IVF) treatment is admissible under CGHS, and if so. whether any guidelines have been laid down for reimbursement of the expenses incurred on IVF treatment.

            (2) The matter has been examined by a Technical Committee of the Heads of Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics of Government Medical institutions, and based on the recommendations of the Committee, the following guidelines are laid down for considering cases for reimbursement of expenses incurred on IVF treatment by CGHS beneficiaries and beneficiaries under Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944:-

(I) Requests for IVF treatment will be considered only on the basis of advice tendered by the Head of Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics of a Government Medical institution;

            (ii) Permission for IVF treatment to be undertaken may be given by the Head of Department in the Ministries / Departments on the recommendations of the Head of Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics of a Government Medical institution;

            (iii) IVF procedure will be allowed in a Government Medical institution on the recommendations of the Head of Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics of a Government Medical institution;

(iv)      IVF procedure may be allowed, on a case to case basis, in a private medical institution if the Institution is registered with the State / Central Government and has the necessary facilities including equipment and trained man power for carrying out the procedure. It is, however, mandatory to obtain the recommendations of the Head of Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics of a Government Medical institution for permitting the procedure to be undertaken in a private institution;

(V)       There should be clear evidence of failure of conventional treatment before permitting IVF treatment procedure;

(vi)      The age of women undergoing IVF treatment procedure should be between 21 and 39 years

(vii)     The woman has to be married and living with her husband;

(viii)    The IVF treatment procedure will be allowed only in cases of infertility where the couple has no living issue

(ix)      Reimbursement of expenditure incurred on IVF procedure will be allowed upto a maximum of 3 (three) fresh cycles;

(X)       An amount not exceeding Rs.65,000/- (Rupees sixty five thousand only) per cycle or the actual cost, whichever is lower, will be allowed for reimbursement. This amount will be inclusive of the cost of drugs and disposables and monitoring cost during IVF procedures;

(x         i) As IVF treatment is a planned procedure, reimbursement cases can be considered by the Ministries / Departments only if prior approval was obtained by the beneficiary for undergoing the IVF treatment.

(xii)     There will be a onetime permission for availing IVF treatment consisting of three cycles in total, which would be admissible to the beneficiary. The concerned Ministry / Department shall obtain an undertaking from the applicant that he / she has not claimed the reimbursement earlier from the Government of India in the past and will not claim it in the future.

            These guidelines come into force from the date of issue of the Office Memorandum and reimbursement cases of IVF treatment undertaken after the issue of the Office Memorandum only can be considered by the Ministries / Departments.

4. This issues with the concurrence of Integrated Finance Division in the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, vide Dy. No.C.1747/IFD (Health)/2011 dated the 21stNovember,October, 2011

sd/-

[V.P. Singh]

Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012 TO ALL

Clarifications regading Post Office Life Insurance Rules-2011

 

MINUTES OF MONTHLY MEETING WITH SRM BG DIVISION ON 21.12.2011

SL.NO.	CLOSED   ITEM		PENDING  ITEM
Item No.1 (old )	Regular maintainance of computer in Berhampur RMS	Item No.1	Non availability of many offices for closing and opening of SP bags after re-inistallation of Speed net in speed post Hub of BF RMS. Necessary instruction may please be issued how to dispose of the articles of PO like Chatrapur HO which is not available in the speednet programme.
Reply	The System Administrator has been instructed to visit Mail Office daily to watch smooth functioning of computers and its peripherals	Reply	The matter is informed to RO/CO vide letter no.B4-19(SpeedNet)/09 dtd 13.07.2011, this awaiting for necessary instruction
Item No.2 (old)	Repairing of water purifier in Berhampur RMS	Item No.2	The CRC programme responds very slowly while bag close option is clicked. The problem may be solved.
Reply	The water cooler and acquaguard are in working condition	Reply	Memory upgradation will be done soon to speed up the slow performance. The matter is informed to HCL infosystem(AMC)/RO for server upgradation
Item No.8 New	Intimation of balance of leave at credit in leave sanction memo as per the provision under Note below Rule-16 of CCS(Leave) Rule-1972	Item No.3	Problem in generating Registered Abstract in CRC Berhampur RMS. In this connection repeated reports of H.S.As from 07.03.2011 onwards may please be referred to.
Reply	OA has been instructed accordingly	Reply	Matter informed to RO & PTC Mysore for necessary technical assistance to resolve the problem within fortnight by the system administrator.
Item No.9 New	Non-Utilization of LR staff against leave vacancies and disturbing the permanent officials from their original post to work against leave vacancies	Item No.4	Repair/replacement of stabilizer of SMO Berhampur RMS to avoid low input voltage and damage to electrical installationos in Berhampur RMS
Reply	The HRO has been instructed in this regard	Reply	RO has been addressed to give approval for purchase of new stabilizer.
Item No.10 New	Abnormal delay in sanction and pending of leave cases at divisional office.	Item  No.5	Arrangement of manpower as per statistical justification in Mail agency branch of Berhampur RMS/2
Reply	Instruction has been issued to OA	Reply	On improvement of manpower position, establishment will be maintained as per justification. The HRO will be iinstructed suitably.
Item No.12 New	Issue of TDS Certificate in New form as introduced by Income-Tax Department vide Ministry of finance,CBDT notification dtd 31.02.2010	Item No.6	Binding of service Book of officials for its safe custody.
Reply	Instructed has been issued to HRO in this regard	Reply	This will be done in due course of time.
Item No.13 New	Non-adherence to the time schedule stipulated under Rule-58,59,60,61 of CCS(pension) Rule 1972 and Rule-110,114,115,116 of Postal Manual Vol.IV while preparation of pension papers of the staff resulting in abnormal delay in issue of PPO	Item  No.7	Payment of conveyance charges to H.S.A of Berhampur RMS to deposit the sale proceeds of the stamps and stationaries at HRO BG Divison, Berhampur  out side their duty hours.
Reply	The official procedure is followed to dispose the pension cases	Reply	This will be examined.
Item  No.19 New	Recent supply of trolley with auto-rickshaw wheels without approved design makes it difficult to utilize in platform for mail exchange. The total amount incurred for making the above trolley and copy of approved desing of the trolley may please be supplied	Item No.11	Restoration of ceiling fan of Speed post Hub as it was taken away by Divisional office.
Reply	Modification of trolley has been carried out as per direction of RO. The amount of Rs.14700/- has been incurred.	Reply	One Pedestal  fan will be supplied to MBC.
Item No.22 New	Supply of one more trolley at PF No.2 of Berhampur RS in view of short gap between arrival of BG-26-IN and N-29-Out. Both the sections cannot be exchanged with one trolley.	Item No.14	Delay in handing over charges by BF RMS/1 to BF RMS/2 by H.S.A BF RMS/1 which adversely affects the commencement of work in mail branch and Regn. Branch and SP Hub in BF RMS/2.
Reply	One more trolley has been positioned in PF No.2	Reply	This will be examined. The H.S.A BF RMS/1 will be instructed.
Item No.23 New	Provision of Drinking water facility in Berhampur RMS. Both Aqua  Guard and water cooler is not functioning since long	Item No.15	Issue of MDW of BF RMS/1 and BF RMS/2 after opening of SP Hub and extension of work of CRC of BF RMS/1 up to 22:45 Hrs
Reply	Aqua guard and water cooler are in working condition	Reply	IPO BG 1st and HRO BG Dn have been instructed to submit the draft copy for approval. They will be reminded
Item No.24 New	Stop regular short arrangement of MTS staff in Berhampur RMS/2 to avoid delay in dispatch of mails to Berhampur HO and other CMM lines keeping in view the arrival of BG-26-out and N-29 In section and schedule closing and dispatch hours of mail lines.	Item No.16	Painting and re-lettering of all sorting cases including cases of SP Hub Berhampur RMS.
Reply	HRO will be instructed to stop short arrangement	Reply	IPOs has been instructed to complete the task early
Item No.1 (MG/MTS)	Regular short arrangement of MTS staff at TMO Berhampur RMS	Item No.17	Review of MTS establishment of HRO BG Dn after introduction of payment of pay and allowances through Bank/PO, there is no justification of retention  of 3 MTS and consider diversion surplus MTS to Mail office in view of the acute shortage of MTS and regular short arrangement of MM in BF RMS/2
Reply	HRO will be instructed to stop short arrangement	Reply	This will be examined
		Item No.18	There is no justification for retention of cashier post in HRO after introduction of disbursement of pay and allowances of the staff through bank/PO. The post may please be diverted to mail office in view of the acute shortage of staff and regular short arrangement and detention of public mail.
		Reply	The matter will be looked into.
		Item  No.20	Irregular retention of staff in Divisional office and HRO BG Dn beyond their tenure.
		Reply	Willingness from officials has been called for, will be posted
		Item No.21	Review of establishment of Accounts branch of HRO in view of computerization and revision in the procedure of payment of pay and allowances through Bank and Post office
		Reply	This will be done

Meeting Meeting of Members, Postal Services Board with the Postal Joint Council of Action.

On 27-12-2011 meeting was held for discussion on Notice of indefinite strike from 17.01.2012 served by Postal Joint Council of Action comprising NFPE, FNPO, and AIl Postal Extral Departmental Employees Union.

The Meetings with (i) Member(P), (ii) Member(O), (iii) Member(PLI) and(iv).Member(Planning) separately held. The meeting was only Pilaminary talks no decision was taken any item.

Further JCA was taken decision that the hold  following agitations in Division and Circle level. 

On 10-01-2012 at Divisional Level Dharna

16-01-2012 at Circle level Dharna programme, and also requested to rank and file to make preparation to successful the indefinite strike from 17.01.2012.

Mery Chirstmas

Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill 2011 Introduced in Lok Sabha

Government today introduced in Lok Sabha the  Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, aimed at setting up the body of Lokpal at the Centre and  Lokayuktas at the level of the States. Government also introduced a Bill for amending the Constitution for conferment of Constitutional status on both bodies.  Government also withdrew earlier Lokpal Bill, 2011 as it decided to introduce a new comprehensive Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011 Bill after consideration of the suggestions made by the Parliamentary Committee which recommended significant changes in the scope and content of the earlier Bill.

The salient features of the proposed new Bills are as under:-

Focus on improving accountability

Ø       Establishment of new institution in the Constitution called  Lokpal for theUnion and Lokayukta for the States.  These autonomous and independent bodies, shall have powers of superintendence and direction for holding a preliminary inquiry, causing an investigation to be made and prosecution of offences in respect of complaints under any law for the prevention of corruption.

Ø       The Bill provides a uniform vigilance and anti corruption road map for the nation, both at Centre and States. 

Ø       The Bill institutionalizes separation of investigation from prosecution and thereby removing conflict of interest as well as increasing the scope for professionalism and specialisation.

Structure of the Institution:

Ø       Lokpal will consist of a Chairperson and a maximum of eight Members of which fifty percent shall be judicial Members.

Ø       Fifty per cent of members of Lokpal shall be from amongst SC, ST, OBCs, Minorities and Women. 

Ø       There shall be an Inquiry Wing of the Lokpal for conducting the preliminary inquiry and an independent Prosecution Wing.

Ø       Officers of the Lokpal to include the Secretary, Director of Prosecution, Director of Inquiry and other officers.

 Process of selection:

Ø       The selection of Chairperson and Members of Lokpal shall be through a Selection Committee consisting of –

§         Prime Minister;

§         Speaker of Lok Sabha;

§         Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha;

§         Chief Justice of India or a sitting Supreme Court Judge nominated by CJI;

§         Eminent jurist to be nominated by the President of India

Ø       A Search Committee to assist Selection Committee in the process of selection. Fifty per cent of members of Search Committee shall be from amongst SC, ST, OBCs, Minorities and Women.

Jurisdiction:

Ø       Prime Minister to be brought under the purview of the Lokpal with  subject matter exclusions and specific process for handling complaints against the Prime Minister.  Lokpal can not hold any inquiry against the Prime Minister if allegations relate to:

§         International relations;

§         External and internal security of the country;

§         Public Order;

§         Atomic energy

§         Space.

Any decision of Lokpal to initiate preliminary inquiry or investigation against the Prime Minister shall be taken only by the Full Bench with a majority of 3/4th.  Such proceedings shall be held in camera.

Ø       Lokpal’s jurisdiction to include all categories of public servants including Group ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ & ‘D’ officers and employees of Government.  On complaints referred to CVC by Lokpal, CVC will send its report of PE in respect of Group ‘A’ and ‘B’ officers back to Lokpal for further decision.  With respect to Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ employees, CVC will proceed further in exercise of its own powers under the CVC Act subject to reporting and review by Lokpal.

Ø       All entities receiving donations from foreign source in the context of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) in excess of Rs. 10 lakhs per year are brought under the jurisdiction of Lokpal.

Ø       Lokpal will not be able to initiate inquiry suo moto.

Other significant features of the Bill

Ø       No prior sanction shall be required for launching prosecution in cases enquired by Lokpal or initiated on the direction and with the approval of Lokpal. 

Ø       A high powered Committee chaired by the Prime Minister with leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha and Chief Justice of India as members,  will recommend selection of the Director, CBI.

Ø       Provisions for confiscation of property acquired by corrupt means, even while prosecution is pending.

Ø       Lokpal to be final appellate authority on all decisions by public  authorities relating to provision of public services and redressal of grievances containing findings of corruption.

Ø       Lokpal to have power of superintendence and direction over any investigation agency including CBI for cases referred to them.

Ø       The Bill lays down clear time lines for :

§         Preliminary enquiry – three months extendable by three months.

§         Investigation – six months extendable by six months.

§         Trial – one year extendable by one year.

Ø       The Bill proposes to enhance punishment under Prevention of Corruption Act :

(a)     Maximum punishment from 7 years to 10 years

(b)     Minimum punishment from 6 months to 2 years

Ø       The Bill proposes to give legal backing to Asset Declaration by public servants.

Ø       The Bill also seeks to make necessary consequential amendments in the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003, and the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.