CGHS major rule changes you should know: PAN-based ID to faster medical approvals 5 other changes check now

A new digital platform for the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) has been launched recently. It is aimed at making healthcare services more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly for the scheme’s beneficiaries. The revamped CGHS system introduces key upgrades such as PAN-linked unique IDs, auto-verified digital payments, and a fully online approval process for medical equipment like oxygen concentrators, CPAP, and BiPAP machines. With real-time updates via SMS and email and a dedicated CGHS mobile app, beneficiaries can now manage their healthcare needs with greater ease and minimal paperwork.
Every CGHS beneficiary will now be included in the O-PAN based unique identification system. This is aimed at removing duplication of documents and streamlining the process of entitlement assessment, according to a government press release.

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2. Bharat Kosh Auto-verification

All contribution payments must be made through the new CGHS portal – www.cghs.mohfw.gov.in.. The system is directly integrated with Bharat Kosh, enabling auto-verification and removing the need for manual data entry. This change is expected to reduce refund issues and transaction errors. The existing payment system on Bharat Kosh would be disabled, and any application unpaid by April 27 will lapse, requiring resubmission.

3. Mandatory password reset and secure login

All existing users will be asked to reset their passwords upon first login. This is being implemented as a cybersecurity measure in line with the security guidelines of the Union Ministry of Electronics.

4. Online approval of machines like oxygen concentrator, CPAP, BiPAP

According to the new guidelines, patients won’t have to wait long for essential respiratory devices. This will reduce the need to rent devices, which are costly and not reimbursed. Shifting to a fully online system will promote transparency and facilitate easy tracking of approvals. Earlier, pensioners were required to apply offline and the approval process used to take 15-45 days—sometimes more. Now, with a fully online process, things are expected to move faster.

“In order to expedite the processing of requests for these critical respiratory devices and provide relief to the beneficiaries, it has been decided to transition the processing of permission for such devices, to an end­ to-end mode as follows;” stated the Central Government Health Scheme Office in a memorandum dated January 22, 2025.

Also read: New guidelines for CGHS beneficiaries: Central govt employees, pensioners will get these critical devices faster; check details here

5. Updates via SMS and email

SMS and email notifications will be sent on the progress of any application, approval, or payment verification in the CGHS system, according to an office memorandum dated April 22, 2025.

6. CGHS mobile app

A CGHS mobile app ‘myCGHS 2.0’ is also available. which can be downloaded from the Google Play store. . It provides comprehensive health care informationto Central Government employees and pensioners, their dependent family members and some other eligible categories of beneficiaries.

7. Other new functionalities and service enhancements

The new system allows beneficiaries to track their application status in real time and receive instant acknowledgements. Services like card transfers, adding dependents, and changing card types can now be done online. Additionally, CGHS Helpdesk and User Manuals are available on the CGHS website www.cghs.mohfw.gov.in and mobile app for assistance to departments and beneficiaries.