INCREASING THE FIXED MEDICAL ALLOWANCE (FMA) FOR PENSIONERS

These days, meeting the medical expenses is a biggest problem for the pensioners of the Central Government. The grim reality of today’s existence is that anything can happen to anyone at any time. It is a great challenge to manage and run the family when the prices of the essential commodities have reached an unaffordable high. In this condition, the predicament of a retired employee cannot be explained using just words. We all know very well that only certain towns and villages have the CGHS facility. For those pensioners, who live in places where there is no CGHS, the Central Government is providing a monthly sum of Rs.500/- as Fixed Medical Allowance(FMA). This amount is not helpful to meet the medical expenses. Retirement is given at the age of 60 because one is unable to work using his body. It is at this time, that various diseases and health problems begin to attack. It is rare to see a retired person, who is free from diabetes, blood pressure, or joint pains. The doctor’s consulting fees itself is Rs.200/-. Using the balance amount of Rs.300/- how can one buy medicines for 30 days? When managing his life is itself is a challenge, a pensioner has to trouble others in order to maintain his health. A pensioner badly needs help when weakness in body and mind combines to afflict him. When want of money prevents him from buying important medicines to take care of his body his despair multiplies. So, the Central Government has to take immediate action in this important issue and increase the FMA from Rs.500 to Rs.2000. The 7th Pay Commission which is going to come to force soon has to study this issue and find new solutions. The 6th Pay Commission gave suggestion to implement the Central Government Employees and Pensioners Insurance Scheme (CGEPHIS), but it has been lying inactive for almost seven  years now. Hence, in the interim period, proving an increased FMA amount will be a good solution.