CGHS Turns Game-Changer for Central Government Employees: Here’s How to Get Your Health Card
April 16, 2025-In a major relief for lakhs of central government employees, the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) has now been made more accessible, with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announcing that no eligible employee can be denied CGHS benefits even without a formal application—as long as CGHS deductions are being made from their salary.This announcement, made via an official memorandum dated April 7, 2025, aims to eliminate delays and ensure hassle-free healthcare access for government employees, particularly those in departments like the Central Public Works Department (CPWD).
CGHS Benefits Without Application? Yes, It’s Official
According to the new guidelines:
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All employees whose CGHS contribution is being deducted monthly will be treated as entitled beneficiaries, regardless of whether they’ve filled out the CGHS form or not.
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The onus lies on the office, not the employee, to ensure CGHS card issuance.
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If an employee has not applied despite receiving repeated reminders, the matter must be escalated to higher authorities for prompt resolution.
This directive ensures that technical issues or lack of form submission do not deprive any eligible individual of vital health services under the CGHS umbrella.
How to Get Your CGHS Card
Employees in service can easily apply for their CGHS card through the following process:
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Fill out the prescribed application form available from the office or on the official CGHS website.
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Attach passport-size photographs of the employee and dependents.
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Submit the form to your administrative office, which will forward it to the respective CGHS department.
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Once processed, the card is issued via the nearest Wellness Center, and an SMS notification is sent to the employee.
Employees can also download the CGHS card online from cghs.gov.in, take a color printout, laminate it, and use it as a valid health ID.
ABHA Linking Not Mandatory—For Now
The government has clarified that linking the ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) ID with CGHS is not compulsory at present, but doing so may bring additional benefits in the future as the government continues to integrate healthcare services digitally.
This proactive step is seen as a game-changer for health accessibility, ensuring that no central government employee is denied quality medical care simply due to administrative lapses.
