CGHS BIG UPDATE FOR CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES - CGHS COVERAGE NOW WITHOUT GEOGRAPHICAL LIMITATION

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has issued an important Office Memorandum allowing eligible serving Central Government employees to avail CGHS facilities without the earlier geographical limitation.

The decision has been communicated through O.M. No. Z.16025/227/2026/CGHS-III/EHS(8421134), dated September 17, 2026.

The revised provisions are particularly relevant for Central Government employees who are presently covered under the Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944 [CS(MA) Rules] because they are residing or posted outside the prescribed geographical coverage of CGHS.

One-time option to switch from CS(MA) to CGHS

Under the new provisions, serving Central Government employees who are residing or posted outside the prescribed CGHS geographical coverage and are presently availing medical facilities under the CS(MA) Rules, 1944, solely because of their location, may exercise a one-time option to become CGHS beneficiaries.

The option is subject to the eligibility conditions and other requirements prescribed by the Ministry.

Important conditions for employees

The Ministry has prescribed several conditions for exercising this option:

1. Option will be one-time and final

Once an employee exercises the option to come under CGHS, the option will be final and binding, subject to the applicable eligibility criteria.

2. Option will cover eligible dependents

The option exercised by the principal beneficiary will apply to all eligible family members/dependents. The family cannot be divided between CGHS and CS(MA).

3. CGHS subscription will be payable

An employee opting for CGHS will have to pay the prescribed CGHS contribution/subscription, irrespective of the employee's place of residence or posting.

4. No simultaneous benefits under CGHS and CS(MA)

An employee or family covered under CGHS cannot simultaneously avail or claim medical facilities under the CS(MA) Rules, 1944.

Similarly, employees continuing under CS(MA) will remain governed by the applicable CS(MA) provisions.

5. No TA/DA for availing CGHS treatment

The OM specifically provides that TA/DA will not be admissible merely for travelling to obtain treatment or medicines under CGHS.

6. Undertaking to be furnished

Employees opting for CGHS will have to furnish an undertaking confirming that neither they nor their eligible family members will avail benefits under both systems.

Any inadmissible benefit obtained under both systems may be recovered according to the applicable rules.

What about employees already residing in CGHS-covered areas?

The OM also clarifies the position of employees residing or posted within a CGHS-covered area, i.e. within the limits of the district headquarters where a CGHS Wellness Centre is situated.

Such employees shall mandatorily be covered under CGHS and will not be entitled to opt out of CGHS in favour of medical facilities under the CS(MA) Rules, 1944.

Why is this important?

Earlier, geographical coverage was an important factor in determining whether serving Central Government employees could avail CGHS facilities.

The Ministry has now reviewed the matter in view of the difficulties faced by employees who were residing or posted outside the prescribed CGHS geographical coverage or in cities not covered by CGHS.

The new decision removes this geographical restriction for eligible serving Central Government employees who wish to opt for CGHS.