CGHS Guidelines 2025: The Centre has taken several important steps towards making the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) completely digital and more transparent. Recently, the Ministry of Health launched a new HMIS portal and mobile app, through which beneficiaries can now avail appointment booking, e-card download and medical services from home.

These reforms will benefit millions of government employees, pensioners, and their families across the country. The new guidelines have made the process of medical device approval online, unique PAN-based ID, and payment process completely digital, making the CGHS service simpler, safer and more reliable than ever before.

Also read: Major changes in CGHS guidelines: What Central Government employees need to know about new payment rules

Following are the 5 big changes that have directly affected the lives of lakhs of CGHS beneficiaries.

1. HMIS portal and mobile app launched

    The Health Ministry recently launched a brand new HMIS (Health Management Information System) portal for CGHS: http://www.cghs.mohfw.gov.in. Along with this, a user-friendly mobile app was also launched, so that now people can do services like appointment booking, e-card download, access to reports from mobile itself.

    Now retired couples do not need to stand in line at the government wellness centre in heat or cold. They can just open the mobile and get everything digitally.

    2. PAN based unique ID – uniformity in identity

      Now every beneficiary will get a PAN linked unique CGHS ID like Aadhaar. This will reduce the possibility of fraud and the records will be in one place.

      Earlier, beneficiaries had to show old records every time to renew their CGHS card. Now, with a single unique ID, the records of the entire family can be accessed in one click.

      3. Digital payment system – no slips now

        The old “Bharatkosh” portal has now been closed. Now CGHS subscription or renewal fees can be paid only on the new HMIS portal — and the payment is verified immediately. Now there is no need to visit the CGHS office with the payment receipt. No refund problem, no delay — everything is confirmed immediately.

        Also read: CGHS Guidelines Update: Big change in reimbursement policy for beneficiaries buying medicines

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

          Earlier, to get these life saving devices, one had to submit documents several times, wait for approval and visit the wellness center. Now the facility of online application and approval has started for all these devices.

          CGHS cardholders with trouble in breathing at night can now get an approval for BiPAP in five days instead of 20 days – that too from the comfort of their home.

          5. Updates via SMS and email – stay updated at every step

            Now you get information about the status of any application, approval or payment verification through SMS and email. Also, all users have been instructed to change their passwords from time to time so that the data remains secure.

            Trust experience: Many senior citizens, who are weak in technology, no longer need to call and ask – everything is clear with a message.

            Changes that are not just in the system, but in life

            These changes of 2025 are a step towards digitising trust, not just technology. CGHS is no longer a ‘government scheme’, but a ‘digital health partner’ — especially for the elderly who depend on government aid daily.

            -If you or someone in your family is a CGHS beneficiary, now is the time to:

            -Login to the new portal and link it with PAN

            -Download the mobile app

            -Turn on SMS/e-mail alerts for updates

            -Apply online if you need medical equipment or services.