The full form of CGHS is Central Government Health Scheme. It is a health care scheme of the Government of India. It provides comprehensive medical care to central government employees, pensioners, and their dependent family members. The CGHS aims to provide quality and affordable health care to the beneficiaries through a network of government hospitals and empaneled private hospitals. The scheme is administered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) currently provides coverage in 71 cities across the country for a total of around 35 lakh beneficiaries. The CGHS hopes to expand its scope to encompass additional cities so that it can improve the availability of its services. It is important to note that the Central Government Health Scheme provides coverage for medical services provided by a variety of medical systems, including but not limited to allopathy, homeopathy, ayurveda, and Unani.
Full Form of CGHS = Central Government Health Scheme
Beneficiaries of CGHS in India
The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) was established in 1954 by the Government of India to provide comprehensive medical care to central government employees and pensioners. The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) provides comprehensive medical care to the following categories of beneficiaries:
- Central government employees: All regular employees of the central government, including employees of autonomous bodies and statutory bodies, are eligible to enroll in the CGHS.
- Pensioners: Pensioners of the central government, including those who are receiving pensions from the Railways, are eligible to enroll in the CGHS.
- Dependent family members: Dependent family members of the central government employees and pensioners, such as spouses, children, and parents, are also eligible to enroll in the CGHS.
- Freedom fighters: Freedom fighters and their dependent family members are also eligible to enroll in the CGHS.
- Ex-servicemen: Ex-servicemen who are receiving pensions from the central government and their dependent family members are eligible to enroll in the CGHS.
- Former MPs: Former Members of Parliament (MPs) who are receiving pensions from the central government and their dependent family members are also eligible to enroll in the CGHS.
- All India Service officers: All India Service officers and their dependent family members are also eligible to enroll in the CGHS.
- Employees of the state governments: Employees of the state governments who are on deputation to the central government and their dependent family members are also eligible to enroll in the CGHS.
What are the Benefits Provided by CGHS?
The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) provides a range of benefits to its beneficiaries, including:
- Comprehensive medical care: The CGHS provides comprehensive medical care to its beneficiaries through a network of hospitals and dispensaries. The scheme covers a wide range of medical services, including outpatient care, inpatient care, diagnostic tests, and specialist consultations.
- Cashless treatment: The CGHS provides cashless treatment to its beneficiaries at the CGHS hospitals and dispensaries. This means that the beneficiaries do not have to pay any money at the time of availing of medical treatment. The CGHS reimburses the hospitals and dispensaries for the medical expenses incurred by the beneficiaries.
- Empaneled private hospitals: The CGHS has a network of empaneled private hospitals that provide medical care to the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries can avail of medical treatment at these hospitals and the CGHS will reimburse the hospitals for the medical expenses incurred.
- Medications and medical supplies: The CGHS provides medications and medical supplies to its beneficiaries at subsidized rates.
- Annual health check-ups: The CGHS provides annual health check-ups to its beneficiaries at the CGHS hospitals and dispensaries.
- Pre-existing diseases: The CGHS covers the treatment of pre-existing diseases of the beneficiaries.
- Maternity and newborn care: The CGHS provides maternity and newborn care to its beneficiaries, including delivery, postnatal care, and immunization of the newborn.
- Dental care: The CGHS provides dental care to its beneficiaries, including regular check-ups, fillings, and extractions.
- Ayurvedic and homeopathic treatment: The CGHS provides Ayurvedic and homeopathic treatment to its beneficiaries at the CGHS hospitals and dispensaries.
- Emergency care: The CGHS provides emergency care to its beneficiaries at the CGHS hospitals and dispensaries.
How many CGHS hospitals are there in India?
The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) has a network of hospitals and dispensaries across India that provide comprehensive medical care to the beneficiaries of the scheme. The number of CGHS hospitals and dispensaries varies from one city to another. There are around 100 CGHS hospitals and dispensaries in different cities of India.
The CGHS hospitals and dispensaries are located in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, among others. In addition to the CGHS hospitals and dispensaries, the scheme also has a network of empaneled private hospitals that provide medical care to the beneficiaries. The list of CGHS hospitals and dispensaries can be obtained from the official website of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
How to Apply for CGHS?
To apply for the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), follow the steps below:
- Visit the official website of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and download the CGHS application form.
- Fill out the application form with the required details, including your personal details, details of your dependent family members, and details of your employment or pension.
- Attach the required documents with the application form, including proof of identity, proof of residence, and proof of employment or pension.
- Submit the completed application form and required documents to the CGHS Wellness Centre or the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare office in your city.
- After reviewing your application, the CGHS authorities will issue a CGHS card to you, which you can use to avail of medical treatment at the CGHS hospitals and dispensaries.
It is important to note that the CGHS card is not transferable and can be used only by the beneficiary whose name is mentioned on the card. In case you lose your CGHS card, you can request a duplicate card by contacting the CGHS authorities.