Telangana Employees’ JAC Chairman V. Lachireddy has called on the state government to implement a comprehensive cashless health scheme for government employees, teachers, pensioners, and their family members. He emphasized that the scheme should provide unlimited, cashless medical services for all types of illnesses in both government and private hospitals. Lachireddy added that employees are willing to contribute a fixed monthly share for inpatient and outpatient treatments, in addition to the government’s contribution.

On Tuesday, a delegation led by Lachireddy met Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao and submitted a memorandum urging the implementation of the Employees’ Health Scheme (EHS). The JAC representatives explained that the proposal had earlier been presented to Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha, with detailed suggestions for cashless treatment. They requested that the government issue the necessary orders to operationalize the scheme.

Under the proposed plan, employees would contribute Rs. 90 to Rs. 120 per month based on salary, ensuring cashless treatment in empaneled hospitals. However, due to administrative delays, the current reimbursement system remains in place. Lachireddy highlighted several challenges, including private hospitals refusing health cards, delays in bill settlements, and limits on critical treatments such as heart, cancer, neuro, or kidney procedures capped at Rs. 2 lakh. Employees often face high-interest loans for advance payments, and family members suffer in case of serious illnesses.

With around six lakh beneficiaries in the state, employees are ready to contribute, with the government matching the amount through payroll deductions into EHS accounts. The Chief Secretary responded positively and agreed to consult relevant officials to provide a final report. The delegation included JAC leaders K. Ramakrishna, Ramesh Paak, Poolsingh Chauhan, and Garike Upender Rao.