Section 44. Scheme for other beneficiaries

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Chapter, the Central Government may, by notification, frame, amend, vary or rescind scheme for other beneficiaries and the members of their families for providing medical facility in any hospital established by the Corporation in any area which is underutilised on payment of user charges, and prescribe the terms and conditions subject to which the scheme may be operated.

Explanation.— For the purposes of this section,—

(a) "other beneficiaries" means persons other than employees insured under section 28;

(b) "underutilised hospital" means any hospital not fully utilised by the employees insured under section 28; and

(c) "user charges" means the amount which is to be charged from other beneficiaries for medical facilities as may be specified in the regulations after prior approval of the Central Government.