CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) is a very beneficial scheme for central government employees and pensioners. Through this scheme, cheap and good health services are provided to them and their families.
Let us tell you that recently a new Health Management Information System (HMIS) has been launched under CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme), behind which the government’s aim is to improve service delivery.
The new digital platform, which will be operational from April 28, 2025, has replaced the previous CGHS software. The new system claims to provide faster access to healthcare, greater transparency and user-friendliness. If you are a CGHS beneficiary, here are all the important details you should know about the new HMIS features.
Why was the new system introduced?
The old software of CGHS was in use since 2005, but it was not compatible with modern IT standards, cyber security framework and user expectations. Therefore, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare decided to update it. Let us tell you that the new Health Management Information System (HMIS) of CGHS has become operational from 28 April 2025. It has been created by the Center for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
Special features of the new CGHS
Many great features have been included in the next generation HMIS:
1. PAN-based Unique Identification
Every beneficiary will now have a unique PAN-based identifier, which will reduce duplicate records and streamline eligibility verification. For this, you will have to link the PAN card to your CGHS beneficiary ID through the new portal.
2. Integrated digital verification and contribution tracking
Contribution payments will now be auto verified through integration with Bharat Kosh. This means that there will no longer be any problems related to manual entry errors and refunds. From April 28, 2025, you will be able to make payments only through the new CGHS website (www.cghs.mohfw.gov.in). The Bharat Kosh portal will no longer accept CGHS payments. Earlier, beneficiaries used to pay fees for CGHS cards and get new cards made or renewed through this website. But now from April 28, 2025, this work can be done only through the official website of CGHS.
3. Pre-payment checking of the application
Card applications will now be verified and approved before payment. This step will give the applicant information about eligibility and contribution amount in advance, which will reduce the chances of the application being rejected.
4. Online Card Modification Services
Services like card transfer, dependent status change and category update (e.g., switching to pensioner status) can now be done completely online. This will save a lot of time and effort.
5. Real-time application tracking and alerts
SMS and email alerts will be sent at every step of the application processing, increasing transparency and eliminating the need for follow-up.
6. Mandatory password reset for secure access
To protect against potential threats, it is mandatory for all users to reset their password on first login to follow cyber security standards.
7. DDO/PAO-based department identification
Department verification is done using PAO (Pay & Accounts Office) and DDO (Drawing & Disbursing Officer) codes which are matched with the salary slips of the employees to ensure accurate back end mapping.
8. Mobile App Relaunch (Android & iOS)
Key features of the relaunched CGHS mobile app:
- Easy access to digital CGHS card
- Real time status tracking for applications
- E-referrals and appointment scheduling (where available)
- Direct interaction with CGHS Helpdesk and Additional Director (AD) offices.
The ministry has clarified that after April 27, 2025, the application will be automatically cancelled if any payment is completed through Bharatkosh. That is, in this situation you will have to apply afresh through the new portal. All beneficiaries above the age of 18 years have been advised to link their PAN card with their CGHS beneficiary ID, and in case of any error, you can easily apply for correction through beneficiary login on the CGHS website www.cghs.mohfw.gov.in. At the same time, the currently issued cards will continue to function normally.
