Automatic Issuance of CGHS Cards for Central Government Employees: How it works

New Delhi, April 16, 2025 — In a significant policy shift aimed at improving access to healthcare for central government employees, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has announced that all employees whose salaries include mandatory deductions for the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) will now be issued CGHS service cards automatically — even if they have not formally applied for them.

The directive, issued via an official memorandum, mandates all ministries and departments to ensure that eligible employees receive their CGHS cards without delay or additional application processes. The move addresses a longstanding issue where employees were denied access to CGHS facilities simply because they had not submitted an application, despite regular contributions being deducted from their monthly salaries.

“It would be unfair to deny the government servant the benefit of CGHS facilities merely on the ground that he/she had not applied to the administration branch for getting a CGHS card,” the memorandum stated. The Ministry emphasized that the deductions indicate eligibility, and access to health services should not be withheld due to procedural lapses.

The CGHS is a compulsory healthcare scheme for central government employees, with deductions automatically applied to those residing in CGHS-covered areas. The Ministry noted that a significant number of employees who are entitled to the scheme have missed out on benefits due to non-application. The new policy aims to rectify this by making the issuance process proactive and department-driven.

In addition to the automatic issuance, administrative branches have been instructed to monitor cases where employees continue to delay the application despite repeated notifications. In such situations, the matter is to be escalated to the responsible officer for necessary action.

The government hopes that this streamlined approach will eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and improve service delivery. The decision has been welcomed by employee unions and is expected to enhance satisfaction and trust in the system.

This development also comes amid speculation that the CGHS may eventually be replaced by a new insurance-based model. According to a Financial Express report from January 2025, the Health Ministry has been exploring the possibility of launching the Central Government Employees and Pensioners Health Insurance Scheme (CGEPHIS). This scheme, if implemented, would operate through IRDAI-registered insurance providers. However, no official confirmation has been issued by the government regarding this transition.

For now, the Ministry’s latest directive reaffirms its commitment to ensuring equitable and hassle-free healthcare access for all eligible government employees.

Key Takeaways from the Health Ministry’s New CGHS Directive:

• Automatic CGHS Card Issuance:
  Employees whose salaries have mandatory CGHS deductions will now automatically receive CGHS service cards, even if they have not applied for them.

• Directive to All Ministries/Departments:
  All central government ministries and departments are required to ensure issuance of CGHS cards to eligible employees without requiring an application.

• No Denial of Benefits Due to Non-Application:
  The Ministry called it unfair to deny CGHS benefits simply because an employee hasn’t submitted a formal application, despite regular salary deductions.

• Applicable to CGHS-Covered Areas:
  The policy applies to employees residing in areas under CGHS dispensary coverage, where deductions begin automatically.

• Administrative Responsibility:
  Administrative branches must proactively issue cards and report cases of inaction or delay to higher authorities for appropriate action.

• Employee Welfare Focus:
  The directive aims to remove bureaucratic hurdles and reflects the government's commitment to streamlined service delivery and employee welfare.

• Possible Future Shift to Insurance-Based Scheme:
  There were discussions in January 2025 about replacing CGHS with an insurance-based scheme (CGEPHIS), but no official confirmation has been made.