Central Government Health Scheme

Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare started CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) in 1954. The purpose of the scheme was to provide complete and comprehensive medical care facilities to Central Government employees, pensioners and their dependents.

CGHS was originally started in Delhi. Later on it was extended to more cities. Now CGHS facility is available in 27 cities across India.

Central Government Health Scheme

Following categories of people who are residing in these 27 cities are covered under Central Government Health Scheme.

  1. All Central Govt. Servants paid from Civil Estimates (other than those employed in Railway Services and those employed under Delhi Administration except members of Delhi Police Force).
  2. Pensioners drawing pension from Civil Estimates and their family members.
  3. (Pensioner residing in non- CGHS areas also may obtain CGHS Card from nearest CGHS covered City)
  4. Hon’ble Members of Parliament
  5. Hon’ble Judges of Supreme Court of India
  6. Ex- Members of Parliament
  7. Employees & Pensioners of Autonomous Bodies covered under CGHS (Delhi)
  8. Ex- Governors and Ex-Vice Presidents
  9. Former Prime Ministers
  10. Former Judges of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and Hon’ble High Courts
  11. Freedom Fighters

The facilities under CGHS are provided through CGHS dispensary also known as CGHS Wellness Centers. CGHS dispensary is the main component of all this system. General and specialized consultancy is provided at wellness center.  Regular health checkup camps are also organized at dispensaries to provide comprehensive services.

Emergency Facilities in CGHS Dispensaries

All the medicines required during emergency are available at wellness center. An emergency tray is available with nursing staff at wellness center which is checked at regular intervals for expiry and completed medicines etc.

In case of medical emergency the CMO may directly refer the beneficiary to private hospital. In this case the details are to be recorded by CMO in details.

Different Kind of Medical facilities under CGHS

Under Central Government Health Scheme following kind of medical facilities provided.

  1. Allopathic
  2. Homeopathic
  3. Indian System of Medicines e.g.
  4. Ayurveda
  5. Unani
  6. Yoga
  7. Sidha System

The primary elements of CGHS are

  1. Wellness center which also include domiciliary care.
  2. Family Welfare & Maternal and Child Health Care Services
  3. Specialists consultation facilities at dispensary, polyclinic and hospital level including X-Ray, ECG and Laboratory Examinations.
  4. Hospitalization
  5. Organization for the purchase, storage, distribution and supply of medicines and other requirements.
  6. Health Education to beneficiaries.

Wellness Center

Wellness Center or CGHS Dispensary is the most important part of the whole scheme. Whole CGHS is dependent on dispensary. Chief Medical Officer (CMO) is responsible for smooth running of wellness center.

The whole CGHS comprise of the following Centers and Dispensaries

  1. 254 Allopathic Dispensaries
  2. 19 Polyclinics
  3. 78 Ayush Dispensary
  4. 3 Yoga Centres
  5. 65 Laboratories
  6. 17 Dental Units

Under CGHS the beneficiaries can avail specialized treatment at CGHS recognized hospital. This CGHS Help can be availed only when the specialist prescribe it to the beneficiary. Under the scheme the reimbursement is restricted to the rates as prescribed by government. The expenditure above the prescribed limit is to be borne by the beneficiary.

If the beneficiary want to take treatment in any other city covered under CGHS he / she has to take written permission but in this case TA / DA will be borne by the beneficiary. For treatment in any other city permission has to be granted from Director / Addl. Director / Joint Director of the city.