CGHS : Comprehensive Guide to Central Government Health Scheme - Benefits, Coverage, and How to Use

The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) is a healthcare scheme provided by the Indian Government for its employees and pensioners. The scheme aims to provide comprehensive healthcare services to Central Government employees, pensioners, and their dependents in selected cities across India. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of the CGHS scheme, how to use it, and its importance.

Benefits of CGHS

1. Comprehensive healthcare coverage: The CGHS scheme provides comprehensive healthcare coverage to Central Government employees, pensioners, and their dependents. The scheme covers medical consultation, diagnostic tests, medicines, hospitalization, and other medical expenses.
2. Cashless hospitalization: CGHS beneficiaries can avail of cashless hospitalization in selected hospitals empanelled under the scheme. This means that beneficiaries can avail of medical treatment without paying cash upfront.
3. No limit on hospital expenses: There is no limit on the hospital expenses covered under the CGHS scheme. The scheme covers all expenses incurred during hospitalization, including room charges, doctor's fees, and medical procedures.
4. Affordable healthcare: The CGHS scheme provides affordable healthcare services to beneficiaries. The scheme covers the cost of medical treatment, which is much lower than the market rate.

How to Use CGHS

1. Enrolment: To avail of CGHS benefits, employees and pensioners need to enroll in the scheme. They need to submit their application form along with the required documents to the CGHS office in their respective city.
2. CGHS card: Once the application is approved, beneficiaries will receive a CGHS card. The card contains the name of the beneficiary, their photograph, and the card validity period.
3. Hospitalization: If a beneficiary needs hospitalization, they need to visit an empanelled hospital and show their CGHS card. The hospital will verify the card and provide cashless hospitalization as per the scheme guidelines.
4. Medicines and diagnostic tests: Beneficiaries can avail of medicines and diagnostic tests from CGHS dispensaries or empanelled private clinics. They need to show their CGHS card to avail of the services.

Check List of CGHS Hospital List

Importance of CGHS

The CGHS scheme is crucial for Central Government employees and pensioners as it provides them with affordable and comprehensive healthcare coverage. The scheme helps beneficiaries manage their medical expenses, and they can avail of cashless hospitalization in empanelled hospitals. The scheme ensures that beneficiaries receive quality healthcare services at a lower cost.

The Central Government Health Scheme is a comprehensive healthcare scheme for Central Government employees, pensioners, and their dependents. The scheme provides cashless hospitalization, affordable healthcare, and comprehensive coverage for medical expenses. The scheme is easy to use, and beneficiaries need to enroll and obtain a CGHS card to avail of its benefits. The scheme is essential for Central Government employees and pensioners, and they should take advantage of it to manage their healthcare needs.