<span style="color: #222222;">The government has issued instructions laying down the procedure and timeline for change of option by the pensioners/family pensioners for availing OPD facility under CGHS or Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA). As per these instructions, if a pensioner or family pensioner in receipt of FMA, intends to avail of the OPD facility under CGHS, he or she may apply to the concerned pension disbursing bank for discontinuation of FMA.<br />''<br />''The pension disbursing bank shall discontinue the payment of FMA and issue a certificate to this effect within three working days from the date of receipt of application. Thereafter, the pensioner can apply to the concerned CGHS authorities for issue of CGHS card after paying requisite CGHS contributions, if not already paid.<br />''<br />''Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and  Pensions in a statement said that as per the existing instructions, pensioners and family pensioners residing in an area not covered by CGHS have the option to avail Fixed Medical Allowance of one thousand rupees per month in lieu of OPD facility under CGHS. They can change the option from FMA to OPD facility under CGHS or vice versa once during their lifetime.<br />''<br />''The Ministry said that in case a pensioner who is availing CGHS facility for both IPD and OPD, intends to avail FMA while residing in a non-CGHS area, he can apply to the CGHS authorities for surrender of OPD facility under CGHS. The payment of FMA in such cases will be made from the date of issue of the surrender certificate by the CGHS authorities.</span><br />