The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) is one of the most important healthcare initiatives by the Government of India, designed exclusively for central government employees, pensioners, and their families. Introduced in 1954, this scheme ensures affordable and quality medical care to millions of beneficiaries across the country. With its extensive network of CGHS wellness centres, empanelled hospitals, and diagnostic facilities, the program plays a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of government staff and their dependents.
In this article, we will explore the CGHS benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, empanelled hospitals, and its limitations, giving you a complete guide to how this scheme works in 2025.
What is the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)?
CGHS is a government-run health insurance and medical support scheme for employees of the central government and retired personnel. Beneficiaries under CGHS receive a CGHS card, which enables them to avail cashless treatments, OPD consultations, diagnostic tests, and hospitalization at recognized hospitals.
The scheme not only covers modern medicine but also AYUSH systems (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy), making it holistic in nature. With over 75 cities already under its ambit and more locations being added, CGHS continues to expand its reach.
Key Features and Benefits of CGHS
CGHS provides a wide range of healthcare facilities. Some of the main benefits include:
- Cashless treatment: Beneficiaries can access treatment at CGHS-empanelled hospitals without paying upfront.
- Comprehensive coverage: Includes OPD consultations, hospitalization, maternity care, dental care, and child health services.
- Reimbursements: If treatment is taken outside the network in an emergency, expenses can be reimbursed.
- Preventive healthcare: Regular health check-ups, immunizations, and wellness services are part of the scheme.
- Critical care access: Facilities such as ambulance support, emergency medical attention, and intensive care are included.
- Coverage for AYUSH treatments: Beneficiaries can also avail therapies under alternative systems of medicine.
This wide coverage makes CGHS a reliable and cost-effective medical safety net for millions of central government employees and pensioners.
Mandatory Linking of CGHS with ABHA
In line with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, the Government of India has made it compulsory to link CGHS ID with an ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) from 1st April 2024.
The integration ensures:
- Seamless digital health records for beneficiaries.
- Faster and hassle-free medical services.
- Nationwide portability of healthcare benefits.
Steps to Link CGHS with ABHA ID:
- Visit the official website – cghs.nic.in.
- Log in with your CGHS credentials.
- Select Update and Link ABHA ID.
- Enter Aadhaar details and verify using OTP.
- If you already have ABHA, link it directly; if not, create one.
- Download/print the ABHA card for future use.
This step strengthens digital healthcare in India and ensures beneficiaries can avail services without paperwork delays.
Who is Eligible for CGHS?
The Central Government of India has clearly defined eligibility rules. The following categories can apply for a CGHS card:
- Current and retired central government employees.
- Pensioners and their dependents.
- Members of Parliament and ex-Vice Presidents.
- Retired judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
- Freedom fighters recognized by the government.
- Ex or current Governors and Lieutenant Governors.
- Railway board employees.
- Accredited journalists of the Press Information Bureau.
- Delhi Police personnel.
- Employees of certain autonomous or statutory bodies (on approval).
This wide eligibility base ensures that those who have served the central government receive lifelong healthcare protection.
How to Apply for a CGHS Card?
Applying for a CGHS card is simple and can be done online or offline.
Steps to Apply:
- Download the application form from cghs.gov.in or collect it from the nearest CGHS wellness centre.
- Fill in details of self and dependents (family members).
- Attach supporting documents like:
- Proof of identity and address
- Age proof
- Pension payment order or last pay certificate
- Photographs of family members
- Submit the completed form at your nearest CGHS wellness centre (open Monday to Saturday, 7:30 AM to 2 PM).
- After verification, the CGHS card is issued, enabling beneficiaries to access services immediately.
The card remains valid as long as the employee is in service. After retirement, it must be renewed for continued benefits.
CGHS Empanelled Hospitals
CGHS has empanelled a wide network of hospitals across India for cashless treatment. Some examples include:
- Anupama Hospital – Bihar
- CSI Kalyani General Hospital – Chennai
- Ashwini Hospital – Delhi
- Vivekananda Hospital – Delhi
- Dr. Ramchandran’s Diagnostic Center – Kerala
- Navjeevan Hospital – Madhya Pradesh
- Shantiniketan Hospital – Mumbai
- Narayana Multispeciality Hospital – West Bengal
Beneficiaries can check the full list of hospitals on the official website before seeking treatment.
Limitations and Challenges of CGHS
While CGHS offers extensive benefits, it also faces certain limitations:
- Infrastructure gaps: Some wellness centres are overcrowded, leading to long waiting times.
- Awareness issues: Many eligible employees and pensioners are unaware of their entitlements.
- Quality concerns: Variations in service quality across hospitals and wellness centres have been reported.
To overcome these issues, the government is actively working on expanding infrastructure, improving digital integration, and ensuring stricter monitoring of empanelled hospitals.
Why is CGHS Important in 2025?
CGHS continues to be a lifeline for central government employees and pensioners, offering them protection against rising healthcare costs. With ₹5 lakh annual coverage and integration with ABHA for seamless digital services, it represents India’s vision of accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare.
For individuals not covered under CGHS, private health insurance plans like those from Star Health and Allied Insurance can serve as alternatives, offering OPD coverage, hospitalization benefits, and critical illness protection.
Conclusion
The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) is a cornerstone of India’s public healthcare system, ensuring that employees who dedicate their lives to serving the nation receive comprehensive medical protection. With cashless hospitalization, preventive healthcare, and digital integration via ABHA, CGHS is evolving into a modern and beneficiary-friendly system. Despite challenges, its role in safeguarding the health of millions makes it an essential pillar of India’s healthcare framework in 2025 and beyond.
