CGHS Geographical Restrictions Removed: Central Government Employees Get Nationwide Eligibility
CGHS Geographical Limit Removed for Central Government Employees
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has issued an Office Memorandum dated 17 September 2026, announcing a significant change in the eligibility criteria for Central Government employees to avail themselves of Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) facilities.
Download CGHS Geographical Restrictions Removed in PDF
Geographical restriction discontinued
Previously, CGHS coverage was subject to a geographical condition, including a 5 km radius from a CGHS Wellness Centre in certain circumstances. The Ministry has now decided to totally dispense with the existing geographical criterion for determining the eligibility of serving Central Government employees for CGHS facilities.
This decision has been taken after reviewing difficulties faced by employees who reside or are posted outside the prescribed geographical coverage of CGHS, or in cities not covered by CGHS.
One-time option to switch to CGHS
Serving Central Government employees who are presently residing outside the prescribed CGHS geographical area and are covered under the CS(MA) Rules, 1944 may exercise a one-time option to become CGHS beneficiaries.
The option is subject to fulfilment of other applicable eligibility conditions and payment of the prescribed CGHS contribution/subscription.
However, employees residing or posted within the CGHS-covered area, i.e. within the limits of district headquarters where a CGHS Wellness Centre is situated, will continue to be covered under CGHS and will not be entitled to opt out of CGHS in favour of CS(MA) Rules, 1944 facilities.
Important conditions
The Office Memorandum specifies the following conditions:
- The option to switch to CGHS is one-time. Once exercised, it will be final and binding, subject to applicable eligibility criteria.
- The option exercised by the principal beneficiary will apply to all eligible dependants.
- CGHS beneficiaries must continue to pay the prescribed CGHS contribution/subscription irrespective of their place of residence or posting.
- A beneficiary cannot simultaneously claim medical facilities under both CGHS and CS(MA) Rules, 1944.
- No TA/DA will be admissible for travelling to avail treatment or procure medicines under CGHS.
- Employees have to furnish an undertaking confirming that neither they nor their eligible family members will simultaneously avail benefits under both systems.
- False or misleading information or dual claims may result in recovery of inadmissible benefits and disciplinary action.
Effective immediately
The provisions of the Office Memorandum will come into force with immediate effect. The OM has been issued with the approval of the competent authority and circulated to all concerned Ministries/Departments, CGHS authorities and the Directorate General of Health Services.
Option & Undertaking Form
An Option and Undertaking Form is attached as an annexure to the OM. Employees opting to switch from CS(MA) Rules, 1944 to CGHS have to provide their personal, designation, office and residential details and submit the prescribed undertaking.
The form specifically states that the employee is exercising a one-time option to switch to CGHS without geographical limitation. It also requires authorization for deduction of the prescribed monthly CGHS subscription from pay and allowances.
In summary: The removal of the geographical restriction enables eligible serving Central Government employees residing or posted outside the earlier CGHS coverage area to opt for CGHS, subject to the prescribed conditions, contribution and one-time option.