RETIRED EMPLOYEES LIBERALISED HEALTH SCHEME

Subject
Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme. Medical facilities to retired railway employees revision of rates. Retired Railway Employees Medical facilities at par with serving employees. Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme further liberalisation. Issue of special passes on medical grounds for retired railway employees governed by Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS) - Provision of Attendant in the Pass. Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS) Clarification regarding the charges for implant towards the treatment dependent children of RELHS beneficiaries. Retired Employees Liberalised Health SchemeDate of option. Retired employees Liberalised Health Scheme Date of option. Issue of special passes on medical grounds for retired railway employees governed by Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS) Retired employees liberalised Health Scheme - date of option. Retired Employees Liberalised Health Schemes (RELHS) further liberalisation of facilities under this scheme. Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS) further liberalisation of facilities under this Scheme. Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme Extension of date of option for. Retired Employees liberalised Health Scheme Registration therefor.

RBE No

Reference
2000/II/28/1/ RELHS 97/H/28/1 (Pt.) 97/H/28/1 97/H/28/1

Date
23.06.2000 26.08.1999 17.05.1999 23.10.1997 06.02.1997

27/97

E(W)95PS51/33

97/H/28/1

26.02.1997

86/H/6-2/21 86/H/6-2/21 44/96 E(W) 95 PS5-1/33

21.02.1997 10.05.1996 06.05.1996

86/H/6-2/21 86/II/6-2/21

01.05.1996 12.09.1995

. 86/II/6-2/21

06.07.1995

86/II/6-2/21 94/H/28/2

14.03.1995 02.01.1995

DEVELOPED BY THE WEST CENTRAL RAILWAY

Retired Employees Liberalised Health SchemeSettlement of medical reimbursement claims. Retired Employees Liberalised Health SchemeExtension of date of option. Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS). Extension of date of option by retired Railway Employees therefor. Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS) -One time contribution from running staff. Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme Extension of date of option for. Reimbursement of cost of CAT SCAN incurred by retired Railway Employees-PNM/NFIR meeting's point. Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS) extension of option date for. Medical facilities to retired railway employees. Receipts on account of Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme opening of New Sub-Head z660 for accountal. Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS) extension of option date for. Option to retired Railway Employees Liberalised Health Scheme. Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS) extension of option date for. Medical facilities to retired Railway Employees - revision of rates Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS) Introduction of. Liberalised Pensionary Awards for families of Railway servants killed in enemy action and for war disabled Railway servants and to the families of Railway servants who die while performing their duties as a result of

94/H/28/3 86/H/6-2/21 86/H/6-2/21

12.12.1994 12.05.1994 31.05.1993

10/93

E(P&A)II/92/ FE 4/2 86/H/6-2/21 88/H/28/4

21.01.1993

11.05.1992 24.07.1992

88/H/28/4 P/R/20/78/1 (RELHS) 86/H/6-2/21

14.03.1990 11.09.1989 08.06.1989

88/H/28/4 P/R/20/78/1 (RELHS) 88/H/28/4 87/H/6-2/7 86/H/6-2/21

16/21.06.19 89 16.05.1989 05.01.1989 10.06.1988 28.09.1988

155/88

F(E)III/84/PN 21.07.1988 1/lt

DEVELOPED BY THE WEST CENTRAL RAILWAY

attack by or during action against extremists, anti-social elements, smugglers, dacoits etc.Rationalisation of pre 01.01.1986 cases Retired Railway Employees Contributory Health Scheme benefits under. Retired Railway Employees Contributory Health Scheme benefits under the scheme. Retired Railway Contributory Health Scheme-benefits under Retired Railway Employees Contributory Health Scheme Medical facilities. Retired Railway Employees Contributory Health Scheme-use of Railway Ambulance by retired employees. Medical facilities to retired railway employees under the Retired Railway employees Contributory Health Scheme-extension of benefits under.

83/H/6-2/6 81/H/6-2/8 E(LL)82AT/ E PF/1 -3 81/H6.2/12 80/H6-2/15

02.06.1984 27.08.1982 23.04.1982 19.02.1982 19.02.1981

78/H/6-2/17

29.12.1979

DEVELOPED BY THE WEST CENTRAL RAILWAY

R.B.E. No. 27/97

Subject: Issue of special passes on medical grounds for retired railway employees governed by Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS) - Provision of Attendant in the Pass. Reference: Board's letter No. E(W)95PS5-I/33 dated. 06.05.1996. [No. E(W)95PS5-1/33, dated 06.02.1997] As a result of discussions in the PNM meeting with NFIR, it has been decided by the Board that the retired Railway Servant or his/her spouse who is a member of Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS), travelling on Special Pass issued on medical grounds for treatment of Cancer, Major Renal problem or serious Heart Ailments, may be allowed to take an Attendant (who may be a member of his family or a dependent or any other person) in the same class, on the recommendations of the referring medical authorities. 2. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

DEVELOPED BY THE WEST CENTRAL RAILWAY

(1)
Subject: Retired Employees liberalised Health Scheme Registration therefor. [No. 94/H/28/2 dated 02.01.1995] A point has been raised whether the Retired Railway employees covered under Retired employees Liberalised Health Scheme can avail medical facilities in any Railway Hospitals/Health Units as mentioned against para 4.1.1 of this office letter No. 86-H/6-2/21 dated 28.09.1988 or they are required to be registered with Hospitals/Health Units located near to their residences. In this connection it is clarified that Retired Railway Employees who opt to join RELHS are required to get their Medical Identity Cards registered with the Hospitals/ Health Units near to their residence like the serving employees. Their cards may be registered in the same way as for serving employees. Necessary endorsement indicating the name of Dispensary/Hospital where their cards are registered should be made on the Medical Identity Cards before issue by the Personnal Branch. However, in emergency and for shorter duration, these retired employees can take treatment from any Railway Hospital/Health Units The doctor incharge of the dispensary where their card is registered will be their Authorised Medical Attendant.

DEVELOPED BY THE WEST CENTRAL RAILWAY

[10]
Subject: Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme Extension of date of option for. [No. 86/II/6-2/21 dated 14.03.1995] Please refer to this office letter of even number dated 12.05.1994 wherein decision of Ministry of Railways about extension of date of option/switching over by the retired Railway employees to RELHS upto 31.12.1994 was communicated to you with a specific request for widely publicizing the same through local as well as national News-papers and through accredited notice boards specifically in remote areas so that there may not be any cause of further extension. 2. The issue has been raised again in the PNM by All India Railway men's Federation requesting for extension of the date for further period upto 31.12.1995 on the plea that retired Railway employees settled in remote areas could not exercise their option due to ignorance of the aforesaid orders of the Ministry of Railways. 3. The matter has been considered afresh, keeping in view the aforesaid factors, by the Ministry of Railways and it has been decided that the date for exercising option and switching over to RELHS by the retired employees be extended for a further period upto 31.12.1995, as an exceptional case. 4. It has also been desired by the Ministry of Railways that General Managers and Chief Medical Directors may ensure that the date of extension must be widely publicised through local as well as National Newspapers and through accredited notice boards specifically in remote areas. 5. Para 3 above issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

[32]

DEVELOPED BY THE WEST CENTRAL RAILWAY

Subject: Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS) further liberalisation of facilities under this Scheme. [No. 86/II/6-2/21, dated 06.07.1995} Ministry of Railways have introduced a new Health Scheme w.e.f. 28.09.1988 known as the Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS) for the Retired Railway Employees with a view to provide Liberalised Medical facilities to them on payment equal to last month's basic pay of the employee at the time of his/her retirement/superannuation. 2. Representations received for further liberalisation of facilities under this scheme such as provision of 100% reimbursement, medical passes, referral to recognised hospital and free medical facilities to dependent children as against concessional treatment etc. _ from various retired Employees/Organisations and recognised labour Unions have been examined by the Ministry of Railways in detail and it has now been decided that following additional facilities may be provided to RELHS beneficiaries : (i) Medical expenses incurred by a retired Railway employee and his spouse for treatment involving an operation of cancer, heart surgery or renal failure in a recognised specialised hospitals/Government hospitals should be reimbursed fully upto a limit of rupees one lakh per persons and overall ceiling of rupees two lakh. A Medical Board consisting of 3 doctors, 2 of which should be non-Railway doctors of the rank of Professor of Medical College, is the competent authority to refer such cases to the recognised specialised hospitals/Government Hospitals. This facility will be available only once in life time and the limit of rupees one lakh is applicable for only one operation and not for a number of operations involving smaller amounts. (ii) Necessary endorsements of relief obtained, as mentioned in para (i) above, would be recorded on RELHS Cards by the Personnel branch. Separate registers showing the amount of reimbursement made should be maintained both by the Personnel and Accounts branch while settling such claims on the Zonal/Divisional level in the Railways. (iii). Other provisions remain unchanged. 3. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways, Railway Board.

DEVELOPED BY THE WEST CENTRAL RAILWAY

Subject : Retired Employees Liberalised Health SchemeDate of option. [No. 86/H/6-2/21, dated 21.02.1997] Kindly refer to this office letter of even number dated 10.05.1996 wherein detail procedure for switching over/joining the RELHS by the retired employees was communicated. 2. Options for joining and switching over to RELHS by retired Railway employees were kept permanently open after fulfilling certain conditions which were enumerated in sub-para 1 to 3 of aforesaid letter. 3. AIRF during the course of PNM meeting requested the Ministry of Railways for deleting the para 3 (a), of the aforesaid letter as it imposes the conditions on the employee that he/she must have remained continuously a member of Retired Railway Employees Contributory Health Scheme. 4. The matter has been considered afresh and it has now been decided to permit these retired employees who pay the full balance amount under RRECHS since the date of their superannuation, in addition to their last month's basic pay or equivalent of the same in the relevant scale of pay corresponding to the last pay drawn if a new set of pay scale comes into effect to join the RELHS. 5. Other conditions remain unchanged. 6. This issues with the concurrence of Finance Dte. of the Ministry of Railways.

DEVELOPED BY THE WEST CENTRAL RAILWAY

Copy of Railways Board's letter No. 86/H/6-2/21, dated 10.05.1996.

Subject: Retired employees Liberalised Health SchemeDate of option. The Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Railways vide letter of even number dated 28.09.1988 with a view to providing liberalised medical facilities to retired Railway employees on payment equal to their last month's basic pay. Initially, the last date for exercising the option/switching over to this scheme by the serving as well as retired Railway employees was fixed as 31.12.1988 but was extended a number of times on one or another reason. The date of option/switching over to RELHS was last extended up to 31.12.1995 vide letter of even number dated 16.03.1995. However, representations are being received for switching over to this scheme or to keeping such option open permanently. The matter has been reviewed in the Ministry of Railways keeping, especially, in view the practical difficulties expressed by the retired employees and it has been decided that: 1. Such of the retired employees as have not exercised the option till 31.12.1995 may be allowed a final chance to opt for the RELHS on the usual terms and conditions upto 30.09.1996. 2. Employees who demitted services on and after 01.01.1996 or retiring hereafter may join RELHS at any time within a period of one year from the date of their retirement on existing terms and conditions. 3. After one year of retirement, only those retired employees may be allowed to join RELHS: (a) Who have continuously remained members of the Retired Railway Employees' Contributory Health Scheme and have paid all the dues under scheme; and (b) Who also pay one time contribution of an amount equal to the last pay or if a new set of pay scales comes into effect then the equivalent in the relevant scale of pay corresponding to the last pay drawn. This issues with the concurrence of Finance Dte. of the Ministry of Railways. It has also been desired by the Ministry of Railways that General Managers and Medical Directors may ensure that the date of extension must be widely publicised through local as well as National Newspapers and through a credited notice boards specially remote areas.

DEVELOPED BY THE WEST CENTRAL RAILWAY

Subject: Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS) Clarification regarding the charges for implant towards the treatn dependent children of RELHS beneficiaries. [No. 97/H/28/1, dated 26.02.1997] As per the extant provisions as contained in Para 4.3 of this Ministry's letter No.86/ H/6-2/21 Dated 28.09.1988, the dependent children of RELHS beneficiaries are to be provided free medical facilities in OPD and a charge equal to 10% of the schedule of charges down for outsiders is required to be levied for special investigations as listed Annexure 'A' of the ibid letter and for Indoor treatment excluding items which are free in OPD. A point has been raised whether implants like Heart-valve pace-maker, ortho implants, IOL etc. are also required to be supplied to them as a part of their treatment at the concessional charges of 10% or not. Ministry of Railways, after careful consideration of the matter have decided to extend the benefit of concessional charges of aforesaid items to the dependent children of RELHS beneficiaries only in those railway Hospitals where the facility for the same is routinely available. This issues with the concurrence of Finance Dte. of the Ministry of Railways

DEVELOPED BY THE WEST CENTRAL RAILWAY

Subject:Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme further liberalisation. [No. 97/H/28/1 dated 23.10.1997] Keeping in view the assurance given by Hon'ble M.R. in his Budget Speech for year 1997-98, Ministry of Railways, in super session of all previous instructions on subject have now decided that retired Railway employees covered under the Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS) will be provided with full medical facilities as admissible to serving employees under the Railway Medical Attend Rules, the new scheme will be called RELHS 1997. Eligibility : Minimum 20 years of qualifying service in the Railways will be necessary for joining the scheme and the following categories of persons will be eligible to join the same:(i) All serving Railway employees desirous of joining the Scheme will be eligible to join it in accordance with the procedure laid down herein under 'Mode of joining. (ii) All retired Railway employees who are presently members of the existing RELHS will automatically be included in the RELHS'97. (iii) Spouse of the Railway employee who dies in harness. These orders are not applicable to those Railway servants who quit service by resignation. Family/Dependants : Definition of 'family' for the purpose of this Scheme will be the same as in respect of the serving Railway employees. The definition of dependency will be the same as the Pass Rules/IRMM-81. Rate of Contribution : For joining RELHS-97, one time contribution equal to the last month's basic pay will have to be made at the time of retirement by those opting to join the Scheme. The persons, who are already members of the existing RELHS, are not required to make any fresh payment. However, those who have joined the existing RELHS after 01.01.1996 will have to pay the difference of one time contribution on account of introduction or fifth pay commission's revised pay scales w.e.f. 01.01.1996. It will be the responsibility of the Railway Administrations to realise the amount due from the concerned RELHS members. Those who join the RELHS-97 shall hold identity cards with photographs of all the beneficiaries. Mode of Joining : All retiring employees will have to give their option to join the RELHS-97 at least 3 months prior to their date of retirement. The option given once will be treated as final. No further chance will be given subsequent to retirement.

DEVELOPED BY THE WEST CENTRAL RAILWAY

All those retired employees/surviving spouses of deceased retirees who have not yet joined, the RELHS can now join RELHS-97 by paying an amount equal to the payment of all monthly contributions due under Railway Employees Contributory Health Scheme from the date of superannuation/retirement of the Employee to the date of joining RELHS-97, in addition to the equalised basic pay at the time of their retirement, as a result of the recommendations of successive pay commissions after the date of retirement of the employees. This option is also available to all those who have not yet joined the RELHS, as a last change, only up to 31.01.1998. Optees of RRECHS will also have the option to switch over to RELHS-97 by making payments as advised above before 31.01.1998, after which RRECHS will stand withdrawn and no fresh registration/extension under RRECHS will be done. Medical facilities as per rules under RRECHS will however continue to be extended on the basis of valid RRECHS cards to those who have already renewed and subscribed under the scheme, till the date of the current validity and no further extension will be done after that. Wide publicity should be given to the provisions of RELHS-97. In addition to publishing in the gazette, a brief notification as given in Annexure 'A' shall be inserted in the Newspapers. This has the approval of President and issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways. These orders will take effect from the date of issue of the letter and only the cases of medical treatment taken on after this date will be covered under the new Scheme, vis. RELHS97.

ANNEXURE 'A' PRESS NOTE

Railway Health Scheme for retired Railway Employees Ministry of Railways have introduced a new health Scheme for the retired railway employees titled as "Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme-97". The medical facilities under this scheme will be admissible to those retired railway employees, who have put in at least 20 years qualifying service on the Railways. The scope of the facilities will be at par with the serving employees. A one-time payment equal to the last month's basic pay drawn at the time of retirement will have to be deposited. Under this scheme, the definition of family will be the same as for serving employees and that of dependents as in the Pass Rules/IRMM-81. The existing retired railway employees & surviving spouses of deceased employees who have not joined RELHS can join RELHS-97 before 31.01.1998. In this case, they will be required to make payment of an amount equal to the payments under RRECHS from the date of superannuation to the date of joining RELHS-97, in addition to the equalised basic pay at the time of their retirement, as a result of the recommendations of successive pay commissions after the date of retirement of the employee. Full details of the scheme may please be obtained from the nearest divisional or zonal railway hospital by sending self-addressed envelope size 22 cm. X 15 cm. with postage affixed for.

DEVELOPED BY THE WEST CENTRAL RAILWAY

R.B.E. No. 44/1996

Subject: Issue of special passes on medical grounds for retired railway employees governed by Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS) [No. E(W) 95PS5-1/33, dated 06.05.1996] As part of the liberalisation of facilities available under Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS), Ministry of Railways have decided that retired railway employees covered under RELHS and who are suffering from Cancer, major renal problem and serious heart ailments may be issued Special Pass on medical grounds for travel from the station where they have settled to the station where approved specialised hospitals are located and back subject to the following conditions: (a) Any retired railway servant or his/her spouse covered under RELHS and who is suffering from Cancer or major renal problem or serious heart ailment is eligible for the issue of special pass on medical grounds. (b) The pass will be issued to them in the event of their referral to zonal Headquarters Hospital for necessary check up, assessment and treatment from the place where they have settled to the station where zonal Headquarter Hospital is located and back. (c) The pass will be issued to them from the zonal Headquarters Hospitals in the event of their Inter-Zonal referral for specialised treatment for places where such specialised Railway Hospitals are located and also to the Government Hospitals wherever referred. (d) The pass will be issued from the Headquarters Hospitals in the event of their referral to the recognised specialised Hospital for places where such hospitals are located. However, this facility will be confined only for those cases who opt to avail medical facilities under the provision of Ministry of Railways letter No. 86/ H/6-2/21 dated 8/12.09.1995 and will be restricted in the cases of self and spouse only. (e) Pass will be issued for the class of entitlement of the railway servant for postretirement complimentary passes. 2. The above instructions will be suitably incorporated in the Railway Servants (Pass) Rules, 1986 in due course. 3. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

DEVELOPED BY THE WEST CENTRAL RAILWAY

Subject: Retired employees liberalised Health Scheme - date of option. [No. 86/H/6-2/21 Dated 01.05.1996] The Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Railways vide letter of even number dated 28.09.1988 with a view to providing liberalised medical facilities to retired Railway employees on payment equal to their last month's basic pay. Initially, the last late for exercising the option/switching over to this scheme by the serving as well as retired Railway employees was fixed as 31.12.1988 but was extended a number of times on one or another reason. The date of option/switching over to RELHS was last extended upto 31.12.1995 vide letter of even number dated 16.3.1995. However representations are being received for switching over to this scheme or to keeping such option open permanently. The matter has been reviewed in the Ministry of Railways keeping, especially, in view the practical difficulties expressed by the retired employees and it has been decided that: 1. Such of the retired employees as have not exercised the option till 31.12.1995 may be allowed a final chance to opt for the RELHS on the usual terms and conditions up to 30.9.1996. 2. Employees who demitted services on and after 01.01.1996 or retiring hereafter may join RELHS at any time within a period of one year from the date of their retirement on existing terms and conditions. 3. After one year of retirement, only those retired employees may be allowed to join RELHS: (a) who have continuously remained members of the Retired Railway Employees' Contributory Health Scheme and have paid all the dues under that scheme ; and (b) who also pay one time contribution of an amount equal to the last pay drawn or if a new set of pay scales comes into effect then the equivalent in the relevant scale of pay corresponding to the last pay drawn. This issues with the concurrence of Finance Dte. of the Ministry of Railways. It has also been desired by the Ministry of Railways that General Managers and Chief Medical Directors may ensure that the date of extension must be widely publicised through local as well as National Newspapers and through a credited notice boards specially in remote areas.

DEVELOPED BY THE WEST CENTRAL RAILWAY

Subject: Retired Employees Liberalised Health Schemes (RELHS) further liberalisation of facilities under this scheme. [No. 86/II/6-2/21Ddated 8/12.09.1995] Kindly refer to sub-para 1 of para 2 of this office letter of even number dated 06.07.1995 containing Ministry of Railways decision regarding reimbursement and procedure of reference of the cases of retired Railway employee for his/her own and his/her spouse for treatment of major diseases like cancer, heart-surgery and renal failure. 2. Keeping in view the practical difficulties for constitution of medical board proposed therein and seriousness of the diseases, the Ministry of Railways have reviewed the matter and it has now been decided that Medical expenses incurred by retired employees under RELHS for his/her own and his/her spouse's treatment of cancer, heart-surgery and renal failure in a recognised specialised hospitals/government Medical Colleges Hospital/Govt Hospital should be reimbursed fully upto a ceiling of Rs. On Lakh for self and another one lakh for the spouse, with overall ceiling of Rs. two lakhs provided such cases are referred to aforesaid hospitals with the approval of CMD of Zonal Railways on the recommendations of Medical Director & Specialist Consultant of that particular discipline attached to the Zonal hospital of the railway concerned as is being done for serving employees and their dependent family members in stated of subjecting them to Medical Board as conveyed earlier vide this office letter of even number at 06.07.1995. The remaining provisions will remain unchanged.

DEVELOPED BY THE WEST CENTRAL RAILWAY

[26] Subject: Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme. [No. 2000/II/28/1/RELHS, Dated 23.06.2000] In continuation of Board's letter No. 97/II/28/1 Dated 17.05.1999 (para 2.1 (c)), it has been decided that the rate of contribution for RELHS membership applicable to SRPF optees for whom Ex-gratiu payment has been approved, will also be applicable to their widows. This issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of Railway Board. ADVANCE CORRECTION SLIP TO PARA 612 OF 1RMM-2000 Para 612 (A) "RELHS' 1997". Sub Para (b) (iii) of Para 612 (A) (4) may be corrected to read as under: "For SRPF Optees : For those SRPF optees or their widows for whom ex-gratia payment has been approved on the basis of the recommendations of the V CPC, a one time contribution at twice the ex-gratia monthly payment may be deposited." [Authority: Board's letter No. 2000/II/28/1(RELHS) Dated: 23.06.2000]

DEVELOPED BY THE WEST CENTRAL RAILWAY

Subject: Retired Employees Liberalised Health SchemeSettlement of medical reimbursement claims. [No. 94/H/28/3, Dated 12.12.1994] Retired employees who are issued medical identity cards under RELHS from any Railways/Railway Board, but are registered for medical treatment on another Railways on the basis of their residential addresses, are facing difficulties for the settlement of their reimbursement claims. 2. In continuation of Ministry of Railways letter No. 86/H/6-2/21 Dated 28.09.1988, it is clarified with the approval of finance, that all such claims should be settled from the Railways where the medical card is registered, irrespective of the fact, from wherever the employee has retired. There will, however, be no inter-Railway adjustments in this regard.

DEVELOPED BY THE WEST CENTRAL RAILWAY

Subject : Retired Employees Liberalised Health SchemeExtension of date of option. [No. 86/H/6-2/21, Dated 12.05.1994] The date for exercising option joining/switching over to RELHS by the retired Railway employees was last extended up to 31.12.1993 vide Ministry of Railway's letter of even number Dated 31.05.1993. It has now been brought to the notice of this Ministry that despite clear instructions for wide publicity of the extended date through local as well as National Newspapers, the Zonal Railways have not done so, with the result that retired Railway employees settled in remote areas could not exercise their option. As such they have demanded that date be extended further. Similar demand for extension of date has also been raised by various retired employees Unions/Organisations during SCOVA Meeting. The matter has been considered a fresh keeping in view the aforesaid factors by the Ministry of Railways and it has been decided that the date for exercising option/switching over to RELHS by the retired employees be extended further upto 31.12.1994 as an exceptional case. It has also been desired by the Ministry of Railways that General Manager and Chief Medical Directors may ensure that the date of extension is widely publicized through local as well as National Newspapers and through accredited notice boards specifically in remote areas so that there should be no cause for further extension.

DEVELOPED BY THE WEST CENTRAL RAILWAY

Subject: Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme Extension of date of option for.
[No. 86/H/6-2/21 Dated 11.05.1992] Please refer to this office letter of even number dated 24.06.1991 on the above subject where in M/O Railways decision regarding extension of date of option and switching over by the retired railway employees to new Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme upto 31.12.1991 was communicated to you with a specific request that this being a last and final extension must be wide widely publicised to avoid such other extension. Instances have come to light that these instruction were not strictly complied with by certain Railways. They have either not publicised the same or published it very late i.e. in the month of December 1991 resulting a number of representation pouring in for further extension. All India Railwaymen's Federation during the PNM meeting held on 11/12.02.1992 have raised this point and requested the M/0 Railways for further extension of date of option. Keeping in view the persistent demand of the AIRF the Ministry of Railways have reconsidered the matter and decided to extend the date of option upto 31.12.1992 as a very special case. Ministry of Railways desired that this extension of date must be widely publicised as further extension will not be considered under any circumstances. This extension of date will be effective from the date of issue of this letter. Other conditions will remain unchanged.

DEVELOPED BY THE WEST CENTRAL RAILWAY

Subject: Reimbursement of cost of CAT SCAN incurred by retired Railway EmployeesPNM/NFIR meeting's point. [No. 88/H/28/4 dated 24.07.1992] During the course of meeting of the PNM/NFIR held on 18/19.12.1991 the federation stated that there are institutions which charge less for CAT Scan as compared to Government Hospitals and Government Medical Colleges for which the reimbursement of the cost of CAT Scan incurred by the retired Railway employees is admissible. With a view to save expenditure on CAT Scan, the federation suggested that wherever rates are lower, there should be no objection to the CAT Scan being got done in those institutions. Ministry of Railways after careful consideration of the suggestion made by federation have decided to reimburse 50% of the cost of Cat Scan done in Non-Government and NonRailway Institution/Hospitals to the beneficiaries of REIHS provided that the rate therefore are lower than or equal to the rates chargeable in the Government Hospitals or Government Medical Colleges to which Authorised Medical Attendant would normally refer such cases. This has the approval of President and this issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

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Subject: Retired Railway Employees Medical facilities at par with serving employees. Reference: Board's letter No. 97/H/28/1, dated 23.10.1997.
[No. 97/H/28/1, Dated 17.05.1999] The subject of revision of certain provisions of Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS-97) as contained in Board's letter referred to above has been under consideration of the Board for sometime. After careful examination of the various references and representations received in this regard. The Board have decided to amend the provisions of RELHS-97 as detailed in the following paragraphs. 1. Retired Railway Employees Contributory Health Scheme. The existing members of erstwhile Retired Employees Contributory Health Scheme will be allowed to continue under this scheme on payment of subscriptions as revised from time to time upto 31.12.1999. 2. Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme-97. 2.1 Rate of Contribution : It has been decided that only in respect of pre-96 Retirees the basis for the one time contribution will be the revised pension drawn by the Retired Railway Employee for joining the RELHS-97. The rate of contribution shall be calculated as under: (a) For Employees who retired before 01.01.1996: Revised basic pension as on 1.1.96 including commuted value (gross Pension) multiplied by the figure of two; (b) For Family Pensioners : A sum equivalent to double the amount of their revised normal family pension as on 01.01.1996; (c) For SRPF Optees : For those SRPF Optees for whom ex-gratia payment has been approved on the basis of the recommendations of the V-CPC, a one time contribution at twice the ex-gratia monthly payment may be deposited; (d) A Retired Railway Employee who wants to join the scheme has to pay initially double the pension in terms of the Consolidation Orders of the Government vide Board's letter No. F(E)III-097/PN1/23, Dated 07.11.1997 and his card will be valid for one year that is, upto 31.03.2000. After revision of pension in terms of Board's Order No. F (E) III/98/PN1/29 dated 15.01.1999 the Retired Employee will have to pay the difference between the sum already deposited and any additional sum that becomes due as a result of revision of the pension, after which his card can be extended. Each Zonal Railway has to ensure that the difference has been paid and this has to be endorsed on the Medical Card of the Retired Employee. 2.2 Mode of Joining: For pre-96 retirees there is no cut off date joining RELHS, 1997. However, persons desirous to become members of the scheme will have to pay their contribution a rates mentioned in the preceding paragraph.

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The post-01.01.1996 retirees will continue to be governed by provisions contained in Board's letter No. 97/H/28/1 Dated 23.10.1997. However, such of those post-01.01.1996 retirees who have not yet joined the scheme will be given another chance to join by 31.12.1999. 2.3 Refund : Pre-01.01.1996 Retirees who have already joined the RELHS-97 Scheme will be entitled to claim reimbursement of the amount paid in excess of the sum of two months pension as revised by the V Pay Commission. However, the claim for refund, if any, would be preferred only after final revision of pension in terms of Board's letter No. F (E) III/ 98/ PN1/29, Dated 15.01.1999. 2.4 Benefits under the RELHS-97 Scheme : RELHS beneficiaries will be provided full medical facilities as admissible to serving employees in respect of medical treatment, special investigations, diet and reimbursement of claims for treatment in government or recognised non railway hospitals. They will also be eligible, inter alia, for (a) ambulance services (b) medical passes (c) home visits (d) treatment for first two pregnancies of married daughters at concessional rates and (e) treatment of private servant, as applicable to serving-railway employees. Details of certain other provisions are given below: For the purpose of 2.4 (d) above, special identification cards will be issued duly affixing photographs of married daughters with clear instructions on the card which shall read "Only for confinement and treatment during ante-natal and post-natal period for the first two pregnancies at concessional charges". 2.5 Diet : Since diet is considered as part of treatment, the same should be provided and charged for as per paras 641 to 645 of IRMM-81, as revised from time to time. 2.6 The other provisions contained in Board's letter of even number Dated 23.10.1997 will remain unaltered. 2.7 This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways and has the approval of the President.

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Subject: Medical facilities to retired railway employees revision of rates.

[No. 97/H/28/I(Pt.), Dated 26/30.08.1999] Reference this Ministry's letter No. 87/H/6-2/7 dated 6/10.06.1988. With the all round increase in the cost of health and medical services, it has been decided by the Ministry of Railways to revise the rates of monthly contribution to be charged from Retired Railway Employees, who are members of Retired Railway Employees Contributory Health Scheme. In partial modification of para 612(6) of IRMM 1981, the revised rates of contribution shall be as under: Category of staff Group 'D' Group 'C' Group 'B' Group 'A' 2. The above rates will be effective from 01.01.2000. 3. The validity of the Retired Railway Employees Contributory Health Scheme (RRECHS) has also been extended indefinitely only for the existing members of the scheme. No. new members will be allowed to join this scheme. 4. The above has the sanction of the President and this issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of Ministry of Railways. Contribution per month Rs. 09.00 Rs. 18.00 Rs. 27.00 Rs. 36.00

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R.B.E. No. 10/93

Subject:Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS) -One time contribution from running staff. [No. E(P&A)II/92/FE 4/2, dated 21.01.1993] Attention is invited to para 3.23(i) of Board's letter No. E (P&A) II/80/RS/10 dated 17.07.1981 read with para 1(ii) of Board's letter No. PCIII/75/RA/1 dated 22.03.1976 under which Running Allowance is reckoned as pay at the rate of 30% of the basic pay of the running staff concerned, for specified purposes including medical attendance and treatment for running staff. It is, therefore, presumed that the pay element of 30% of the basic pay is being taken into account while calculating subscription towards Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme in the case of running staff opting in for RELHS.

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Subject: Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS) extension of optiondate for. [No. 88/H/28/4, dated 14.03.1990] Reference this Ministry's letter No. 86/H/6-2/21, date 28.09.1988 and letters of even number, date 05.01.1989 and 21.06.1989 on the above noted subject. 2. Ministry of Railways have decided that valid membership of RRECHS is not mandatory prerequisite for admission to RELHS. All Railway employees retiring/retired who were governed by Railway medical attendance rules during their service, even if they are not members at all of any scheme, have option to come within the purview of the Liberalised Health Scheme. 3. In view of the clarification given above, and the persistent demands of the various organisations as well as the Organised Labour, it has been decided to extend the date of option for switching over to the RELHS till 30.04.1990. It shall be assumed that those serving Railway employees who do not specifically opt out of RELHS by 30.04.1990 have opted for the Liberalised Health Scheme. 4. Option once exercised shall be final and will not be allowed to be changed. 5. The above may be given wide publicity.

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[23]
Subject : Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS). Extension of date of option by retired Railway Employees therefor. [No. 86/H/6-2/21, dated 31.05.1993] Ministry of Railways' decision regarding extension of date of option for joining RELHS by the retired Railway employees upto 31.12.1992 was communicated to you vide this office letter of even number dated 11.05.1992. On persistent demand from various sections of retired Railway employees, their associations/unions and also the demand raised in SCOVA meeting regarding extension of date of option for further period i.e. upto 31.12.1993 and 31.12.1994 respectively, the matter has been reconsidered by the Ministry of Railways and it has been decided that the date of option for joining/switching over to RELHS by the retired railway employees be further extended from 01.06.1993 to 31.12.1993 as a very special case on the existing provisions. Ministry of Railways have also desired that this information about extension of date for joining the RELHS by the retired railway employees must be widely disseminated and publicised in local as well National Newspapers by the Zonal Railways.

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. F(E)III-097/PN1/23, Dated 07.11.1997 F (E) III/98/PN1/29 dated 15.01.1999 86/H/6-2/21 dated 24.06.1991

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Correction Slips year 2000 S. No. 3 5 7 8 Date 25.05.2000 03.07.2000 05.09.2000 20.09.2000 Railway Boards Letter No.
2000/H/23/1 2000/H/23/4 99/H/PNM/AIRF

Subject Certificate of invalidation from service. Grant of special allowance to doctors. Removal of age limit of 25 years in respect of medical facilities. Delegation of powersReferral of railway beneficiaries to nonrailway medical institutions. Delegation of powersReferral of railway beneficiaries to nonrailway medical institutions. 550

Para

220(3) 601(5&6) 601(2)d 663(i),(ii) 664 601(2)d 663(i),(ii) 664

99/H/6-4/Policy

11

07.12.2000

99/H/6-4/Policy

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S. No. 11 of Health / 2000

No. 99/H/6-4 / Policy

New Delhi, dated 7.12.2000

Sub: Delegation of powers- referral of Railway beneficiaries to Non-Railway Medical institutions for special investigations/CT scan/MRI. In partial modification of the Ministry of Railways orders contained in boards letter of even number dated 20.9.2000, it is further clarified that the powers delegated to Zonal Railways to sanction the cost of Special Investigation, Scan and MRI up to Rs. 10,000/will apply to each Special Test/Investigation separately. 2 All other terms and conditions as stipulated in this respect from time to time and the level of functionaries to which delegation has been made will remain unchanged. 3. The cases where the cost each of the special investigations/CT scan/MRI exceeds the limit of Rs. 10,000/- the same would continue to be referred to the Ministry of Railways, duly concurred in by the FA & CAO. 4. The above has the sanction to the President and issues with the concurrence of the finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways. 5. Accordingly an advance correction slip No. of Health/2000 with respect to notes under Para 601 (2) (d), Para 663 and 664 of IRMM, 2000 is also enclosed for ready reference. 6. Please acknowledge receipt.

(This disposes of South Eastern Railways letter No. FB/X-28/Med./Misc./policy. (Dr. S.P. Mukhopadhyay) Executive Director (Health) Railway Board DA: One Advance Correction Slip

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S. No. 9 of Health 2000

ADVANCE CORRECTION SLIP TO PARA 666 OF IRMM. 2000

Add Para 666(i) Reimbursement of the cost of VVI Pace Maker in between Para 666 and note. Cost of VVI Pace Maker in the case of Railway beneficiary (both serving and retired ) will be made direct to the supplying agency on the recommendation of the Medical Director, central Hospitals; CMS/ MS (Incharge) of the divisional /Production Unit Hospital, up to a ceiling of Rs. 40,000/(Authority; Boards letter No. 2000/H/6-4/Policy(Pace Maker dated 6.10.2000)

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S. No. 7 of Health 2000. New Delhi Dt. 20.9.2000 Sub:- Delegation of powers referral of Railway beneficiaries to Non-Railway Medical Institution for special investigations/CT scan/MRI The Ministry of Railways in partial modification of the orders contained in Boards letters No. 91/H/6-4/26 dated 5.1.94 & 5.12.97 and 91/H/6-4/26 pt. Dated 21.4.98 have decided to further enhance the powers delegated to Zonal Railways to sanction the cost of Special Investigations, CT Scan and MRI up to Rs. 10,000/-. 2. All other terms and conditions as stipulated in this respect from time to time and the level of functions to which delegation has been made, will remain unchanged. 3. The cases where the cost of special investigation /CT scan /MRI exceeds the limit of Rs. 10,000/- the same would continue to be referred to the Ministry of Railways, duly concurred in by the FA&CAO. 4. The above has the sanction of the president and issues with the concurrence of the Finance directorate of the Ministry of Railways. 5. Accordingly, an advance correction slip No.7 of Health /2000 with respect to notes under para 601(2) (d), para 663 and 664 of IRMM, 2000 is also enclosed for ready reference. 6. Please acknowledge receipt. (Dr. S.P. Mukhopadhyay) Executive Director (Health)

99/H/6-4/Policy

Railway Board

DA : One Advance Correction Slip ADVANCE CORRECTION SLIP No. 7 OF HEALTH /2000 The following amendments may be carried out in Chapter VI of IRMM 2000 regarding reimbursement of expenses on special Investigations including CT Scan and MRI. In Note under Para 601(2/d) figure Rs.3000/- may be replaced with Rs. 10,000/-In para 663(i) &(ii) figure Rs. 3,500/- may be replaced with Rs. 10,000/In Para 664 figure Rs.4,500/- may be replaced with Rs.10,000/- (Boards Letter No. 99/H/6-4/ Policy Dated 20.9.2000)

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S. No. 8 of Health/2000

No. 2000/H/PNM-AIRF

New Deihi, dated 05.9.2000

Sub: Removal of age limit of 25 years in respect of medical facilities for dependent children of serving Railway Employees and Pensioner. Ministry of Railways have decided to elaborate/amend Para 601 (5) and 601(6) of IRMM, 2000 as under:(5) "Family members", for purposes of these rules, will include(a) Consort(i) wife of a Railway Employee, whether she is earning or not; (ii) husband of a Railway employee, whether he is earning or not; (b) sons(i) sons under 21 years of age provided they are wholly dependent on the Railway employee; (ii) sons over 21 years of age without an upper age limit, even if not a student or invalid, provided he is wholly dependent on and resides with the Railway employee; (c) daughters(i) unmarried daughters, irrespective of whether they are earning or not and irrespective of their age; (ii) married daughters under 18 years of age and widowed daughters, irrespective of their age, provided they are wholly dependent on the Railway employee; (d) step-sons, unmarried step-daughters, married step-daughters and one adopted child, subject to the age limit prescribed in (b) and (c) above, provided they are wholly dependent on the Railway employee. Note: - In a case where both husband and wife are Railway employees, the wife may be allowed to avail herself of the medical attendance and treatment facilities either according to her own status or according to the status of her husband whichever is more favourable, the children may also be allowed these concessions according to the status of either of their parents and the preferential claim of reimbursement of medical expenses. (6). " Dependent relatives" , for these rules, will include all such persons as are eligible for passes under the Pass rules and will thus include (a) mother/step-mother ; if a widow ; (b) unmarried or widowed sisters or step-sisters if father is not alive; (c) brothers/step-brothers under 21 years of age , if father is not alive; provided that the above are wholly dependent on and reside with the Railway employee. The words "wholly dependent" mean a person who does not have independent income more than 15 % of the emoluments of the Railway servant concerned or Rs.1500/- plus dearess relief thereon, which ever is more. Note:- (i) The age limit prescribed in the case of brothers/ step -brothers will not apply to bonafide students of recognized educational institutions and to invalids on appropriate certification by Railway Medical Officer. DEVELOPED BY THE WEST CENTRAL RAILWAY

(ii) Mother includes adoptive mother only in cases in which the mother has legally adopted the Railway employee as a child and has, since adoption, always been recognized as the mother. A railway employee may not obtain free medical attention for his real mother as well as for an adoptive mother. This issues with the concurrence of Finanace Dte. of Railway Board. An advance correction slip with respect to 601 (5) and (6) of IRMM, 2000 is also enclosed for ready reference. Please acknowledge receipt. (Dr.(Mrs.) Girija Shankar) Jt. Director (Industrial Health) Railway Board. DA: one ACS

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S. No. 8. /Health 2000 Advance correction slip to para 601(5) and 601(6) of IRRM 2000. Para 601(5) and 601(6) may be corrected to read as under: (5) Family members, for purposes of these rules, will include: (a) Consorti. wife of Railway employee ,whether she is earning or not: ii. husband of Railway employee ,whether he is earning or not: (b) sons i. sons under 21 years of age provided they are wholly dependent on the Railway employee. ii. sons over 21 years of age without an upper age limit, even if not a student or invalid, provided he is wholly dependent on and resides with the Railway employee. (c) daughters; i. Unmarried daughters, irrespective of whether they are earning or not and irrespective of their age. ii married daughter under 18 years of age and widowed daughters, irrespective of their age, provided they are wholly dependent on the Railway employee. (d) Stepsons, unmarried stepdaughters, married step stepdaughters and one adopted child, subject to the age limit prescribed in (b) and (c) above, provided they are wholly dependent on the Railway employee.

Note:- In case where both husband and wife are Railway employees, the wife may be allowed to avail herself of the medical attendance and treatment facilities either according to her own status or according to the status of her husband which ever is more favourable, the children may also be allowed these concessions according to the status of their parents and the preferential claim of reimbursement of medical expenses. (6) Dependent relatives, for these rules , will include all such persons as are eligible for passes under the Pas rule and will thus include (a) mother/stepmother; if widow (b) unmarried or widowed sisters or stepsisters if father is not alive . (c) brothers/stepbrothers under 21 years of age, if father is not alive ; provided that the above are wholly dependent mean a person who does not have independent income more than 15% of the emoluments of the Railway concerned or Rs. 1500 plus dearness relief thereon which ever is more. Note:- (i) The age limit prescribed in the case of brothers / step brothers will not apply to bonafide students of recognizes educational institutions and to invalids on appropriate certification by Railway Medical Officer. (ii) Mother includes adoptive mother in case in which the mother has legally adopted the Railway employee as a child and has, since adoption always been recognized as the mother. A Railway employee may not obtain free medical attention for his real mother as well as for an adoptive mother. (Authority boards letter No. 2000/H/PNM/AIRF dated 5.9.2000) DEVELOPED BY THE WEST CENTRAL RAILWAY

S.No.6 of Health/2000

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S. No. 4 OF Health 2000

No. 2000/H/23/4
Sub: Grant of Special Allowance to Doctors performing

New Delhi, dt: 3.7.2000 Anesthesia work.

In partial modifications of Para 220 (3) of IRMM, 2000, the same may be corrected to read as per, advance Correction Slip attached so as to grant Special Allowance @ Rs. 200/- per month in place of advance increments being given earlier. (Dr. Amrish Gupta) Joint director (IH) Railway Board.

Advance Correction Slip to para 220 (3) of IRMM, 2000 Para 220 (3): Special provision for training in anaesthesiology
Para 220 (3): Such of the Medical officers as have completed their training in Anaesthesiology will be granted Special Allowances at the rate of Rs. 200/- per month so long as their services are utilised for giving anaesthesia. (Authority Boards letter No. E (P&A) I- 2000 /SP-1/MH-2 dt. 2.6.2000)

No. 2000/H/23/1

New, Delhi dt. 25.5.2000

Sub: Certificate of invalidation form Service amendment to Para 550 of IRMM, 2000. The existing Para 550 of IRMM, 2000 regarding issue of certificate of invalidation from service may be corrected to read as under: Para 550: Certificate of invalidation from service: (i) A Railway employee shall not be invalidated out of service on account of ill-health except on the certificate of a Medical Board. Such a certificate will be issued in the prescribed from as given in Annexure XV to this Chapter, in triplicate. The certificates should be serially numbered. (ii) If the Medical Board is unable to say with certainty that the Railway Employee will never again be fit for service, the Medical Board will recommended leave not exceeding one year in the first instance. Such leave should not be extended without further reference to Medical Board. (iii) The employees will be considered invalidated with effect from the date of recommendation of the Medical Board in case of the same is accepted by the chief Medical Director. (Dr. S. P. Mukhopadhayaya) Executive Director (Health) Railway Board