Health Ministry has simplified the referral system for beneficiaries of Central Government Health Scheme for treatment in empaneled private hospitals. Now the beneficiaries will be able to seek OPD consultation from specialists in private hospitals after being referred by any medical officer of the CGHS Wellness Centre. <br/><br/>In an office order, the Health Ministry said, the referral may be mentioned in the computer generated prescription slip. <br/><br/>After consultation, the beneficiaries can report to the concerned Wellness Centre where the medical officer will endorse listed investigation and issue medicine.<br/><br/>For unlisted investigation and treatment procedure, Chief Medical Officer In- Charge will submit the prescription to the competent authority for consideration in case of pensioners. However, serving employees will have to seek permission for unlisted investigation from their department as per existing rules. The referral advice will be valid for three months unless mentioned otherwise at any of the empaneled hospitals. <br/><br/>The order further clarified that once a specific treatment procedure has been advised by a specialist of Central, State Government or a CGHS Medical Officer, it will be his or her liberty to undergo treatment at any of the empaneled hospitals and it is not compulsory for the specialist to refer the beneficiaries for treatment to any particular hospitals.