CGHS beneficiaries now include men’s parents and in-laws too: Employees rejoice

The Union Ministry of Health has amended the definition of family to include parents or parents-in-laws of male central government employees as CGHS beneficiaries.

Up till July 26, 2023, the inclusion of parents or parents-in-law as beneficiaries of the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) was only limited to female central government employees. On the aforementioned date, the Union Ministry of Health released a memorandum that has now made it possible for male central government employees to enjoy the same benefit. 

The clauses pertaining to the inclusion of parents-in-law or parents are subject to the conditions of dependence and residence, both of which have to be satisfied. This implies that the parents or in-laws who wish to become CGHS beneficiaries have to be both financially dependent on the central government employee and inhabit the same residential space as the employee. 

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• CGHS benefits now extended to male central government workers for medical care and family welfare.
• To add your parents or parents-in-law as beneficiaries of the CGHS, you need to fulfil two conditions.
• CGHS offers outpatient, specialist, family welfare, maternity care, AYUSH, and more.
• Expect expanded coverage to more cities and enhanced services for government employees' wellness.

Also Read: 7th pay commission changes to CGHS

Benefits under CGHS

The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) is an exhaustive healthcare program managed and funded by the Indian government. Introduced in 1954, its vision was to provide an overarching holistic healthcare experience to central government employees and their families. 

The scheme aims at providing comprehensive healthcare and hence includes the following:

1. Outpatient Department (OPD) facilities at select healthcare outlets and central government hospitals.
2. OPD benefits are available at subsidised rates in accredited hospitals.
3. Cashless facility treatment.
4. Indoor treatment at government and accredited hospitals.
5. Family welfare services are a mainstay. 
6. Consultation by specialists at government and empanelled hospitals is available.
7. Maternity and Child Care services are included. 
8. The CGHS covers medicine services not only for the allopathy medicine system but also for AYUSH (Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, and Siddha) system. 

Also Read: 7 government schemes to aid economic development

How long does it take to get a CGHS card?

A physical, printed CGHS card is issued on the same day of application to CGHS. These cards are delivered directly to the residences of government employees within 3 weeks.

The takeaway

The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) offers cashless medical facilities to its employees. The inclusion of men in benefits reserved for women employees is a welcome change. If you are a male central government employee, you should apply to include your relations in the scheme. In case of any unfortunate health events, this scheme can help you save on money and receive prompt medical care.

The government is also working on including more cities within the CGHS effective range and improving its services so more employees can enjoy these benefits. 

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