For a period spanning six decades, the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) has consistently and reliably offered comprehensive medical care to individuals employed by the Central Government and pensioners who are part of the programme. Notably, CGHS addresses the healthcare requirements of eligible beneficiaries from all four pillars of India's democratic system: the Legislature, Judiciary, Executive, and Press. CGHS serves as an outstanding exemplar of a healthcare provider dedicated to serving the needs of Central Government employees and pensioners, distinguished by its substantial number of beneficiaries and unwavering dedication to providing exceptional healthcare services. At present, CGHS caters to around 4.2 million beneficiaries across 80 cities throughout India, with an ongoing effort to expand its services to additional cities, thereby enhancing accessibility to these invaluable healthcare provisions.
CGHS offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services encompassing various esteemed branches of medicine, including Allopathy, Homoeopathy, and the revered Indian systems of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Yoga.
The CGHS provides a range of facilities for outpatient treatment, including the issuance of medications, at Wellness Centres. Specialist consultations can be availed at Polyclinics, Government Hospitals, and CGHS-endorsed hospitals, but only after a referral from CGHS-OPD. Both outpatient and inpatient treatment options are available at Government and ambulatory hospitals. Diagnostic tests can be conducted at both Government and Enhanced Diagnostic Centres. Pensioners and other identified beneficiaries can avail of cashless treatment at empathetic hospitals and diagnostic centres. Expenses incurred for treatment received at Government and Private Hospitals during emergencies and specific treatments recommended by Government specialists or specialists from Private Healthcare Organisations (HCOs) endorsed by the Chief Medical Officer or Medical Officer of the Wellness Centres can be reimbursed. Additionally, reimbursement is also provided for the purchase of hearing aids, artificial limbs, appliances, etc., with prior permission. Family welfare, maternity, and child health services are also offered. Medical consultations and dispensing of medicines are available for Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Unani, and Siddha systems of medicine (AYUSH).
The Central Government Health Scheme extends healthcare benefits to a diverse range of individuals, encompassing those affiliated with central government employees and their families, pensioners, police personnel, railway employees, defence employees, and others. It also covers individuals who are deputed to semi-government and autonomous bodies, military officers on deputation, families of government servants transferred to non-CGHS areas, IAS officers, members of parliament, judges, and freedom fighters. The scheme is also open to individuals employed in semi-government and autonomous bodies, accredited journalists, retired Divisional Accountants, PSU absorbees, employees of Statutory Bodies/Autonomous Bodies of the Central Government, Railway Audit Staff, retired Divisional Accounts Officers, CISF and CAPF personnel, employees of certain organisations, and family members of Central Government employees who stay in CGHS covered areas after the employee is posted to certain regions. Additionally, certain Defence Industrial Employees in Mumbai are also eligible for the CGHS Scheme.
The procedure to obtain a CGHS card varies depending on whether the individual is a serving employee or a pensioner. Serving employees or pensioners must fill out the prescribed form, which can be found on the CGHS Portal, the CGHS Website, or at the Wellness Centres. The form must be completed in its entirety, and individual photographs must be pasted as specified in the form. Furthermore, there is a provision for pensioners to obtain a CGHS card while still in service through an online application. This can be done by visiting the CGHS Portal or the CGHS Website. Additionally, certain documents need to be attached. For serving employees, proof of residence, proof of stay for dependents, and proof of age for sons must be provided. If the dependent son is differently abled and above 25 years old, a disability certificate from a competent authority is required. For pensioners, in addition to the aforementioned documents, a surrender certificate of the CGHS card (if issued during the service period) and attested copies of the PPO, provisional PPO, or last pay certificate (if the PPO is not immediately available after retirement) must be submitted. Payment for the CGHS card can be made through the BharatKosh Portal or by a demand draft in the name of the concerned PAO of the city.
The 24x7 National CGHS Helpline is a service that operates round the clock and is accessible to all residents of India. This helpline can be reached by dialling the toll-free number 18002088900. It is worth noting that this service is bilingual, meaning that callers can communicate in either Hindi or English. Additionally, the helpline is designed to be accessible from any landline or mobile device, regardless of the service provider.
Please note, that government schemes and policies may undergo changes or be replaced by new schemes over time. Therefore, we recommend checking with the relevant government authorities or official sources to get the most up-to-date information on the status of CGHS or any potential replacements or similar schemes.
