CGHS Geographical Limit Removed for Serving Central Govt Employees | Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
CGHS GEOGRAPHICAL LIMIT REMOVED FOR SERVING CENTRAL GOVT EMPLOYEES
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India – O.M. No. Z.16025/227/2026/CGHS-III/EHS, Dated 17.09.2026
OM No.
Z.16025/227/2026/CGHS-III/EHS
Issuing Authority
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (EHS Section)
Date
17th September 2026
Effective From
With Immediate Effect
Geographical Limit
Dispensed With
For serving Central Govt employees
Option
One-Time
To switch from CS(MA) to CGHS
Subscription
Applicable
Irrespective of residence/posting
Before & After Comparison
Existing Criterion (OM dated 06.04.2018)
Within 5 km radius
Of a CGHS Wellness Centre
New Criterion (OM dated 17.09.2026)
No Geographical Limit
For serving Central Govt employees
Background & Decision
- Earlier OM: MH&FW O.M. No. C.14012/02/2018/CGHS-III/DIR dated 06.04.2018 restricted CGHS coverage to serving beneficiaries residing/working within 5 km radius of a CGHS Wellness Centre.
- Difficulties Faced: The matter was reviewed in view of the difficulties faced by serving Central Government employees residing/posted either outside the prescribed geographical coverage of CGHS or in a city not covered by CGHS.
- Decision: It has been decided to totally dispense with the existing geographical criterion for determining eligibility of serving Central Government employees for availing CGHS facilities.
- Option to Switch: Serving Central Government employees residing outside the prescribed area and presently availing facility under CS(MA) Rules, 1944 solely on account of their residence/posting outside CGHS coverage, may exercise a one-time option to be a CGHS beneficiary.
- Mandatory Coverage: Serving Central Government employees residing or posted within the CGHS Covered Area (limits of district headquarters where CGHS Wellness Centre is situated) shall mandatorily be covered under CGHS and shall not be entitled to opt out in favour of CS(MA) Rules, 1944.
Conditions for the One-Time Option
One-Time & Final
The option shall be a one-time exercise and once exercised, shall be final and binding, subject to the applicable eligibility criterion.
Applies to All Dependents
The option exercised by the principal beneficiary shall apply to all dependents. The entitlement shall not be split between the two systems within the family.
Continuous Subscription
An employee opting for CGHS shall continue to pay the prescribed CGHS contribution/subscription, irrespective of the place of residence or posting.
No Dual Benefits
An employee/family covered under CGHS shall not simultaneously avail or claim medical facilities under CS(MA), and vice versa.
No TA/DA
No TA/DA shall be applicable on account of availing treatment and procurement of medicine under CGHS Rules.
Undertaking Required
The employee shall furnish an undertaking that neither he/she nor any eligible family member shall avail benefits under both systems. Any inadmissible benefit availed under both systems shall be liable for recovery.
Other Key Provisions
- Employees Not Exercising Option: Employees who do not exercise the option to come under CGHS shall continue to be governed by the CS(MA) Rules, 1944, as applicable.
- False Information: Any employee/beneficiary furnishing false, incorrect, suppressed or misleading information for the purpose of obtaining or continuing CGHS benefits shall be liable for appropriate disciplinary action under the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, and other applicable rules, in addition to recovery of any inadmissible benefit.
- Effective Date: The provisions of this OM shall come into force with immediate effect (17.09.2026).
- Issuing Authority: Issued with the approval of the competent authority by Sonika Khattar, Deputy Secretary to the Government of India.
Important Points to Note
- Geographical Criterion Dispensed With: The 5 km radius restriction for CGHS eligibility of serving Central Government employees has been removed.
- One-Time Option: Employees residing outside CGHS coverage and availing CS(MA) can exercise a one-time option to switch to CGHS.
- Mandatory CGHS: Employees residing within CGHS covered area (district headquarters limits) shall mandatorily be covered under CGHS and cannot opt out.
- Subscription Applicable: CGHS subscription must be paid irrespective of place of residence or posting.
- No Dual Benefits: Cannot avail both CGHS and CS(MA) simultaneously.
- No TA/DA: No travel allowance or daily allowance for availing CGHS treatment or medicines.
- Undertaking Required: Employee must furnish an undertaking against dual benefits.
- Disciplinary Action: False information or dual claims will attract disciplinary action and recovery.
- Effective Immediately: The OM comes into force with immediate effect from 17.09.2026.
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📥 Download PDF Share on WhatsApp Share via Gmail Share on TelegramFrequently Asked Questions
What is this Office Memorandum about?
This OM dispenses with the existing geographical criterion for determining eligibility of serving Central Government employees for availing CGHS facilities. The 5 km radius restriction from a CGHS Wellness Centre has been removed.
What was the earlier criterion?
Under the earlier OM dated 06.04.2018, CGHS coverage was restricted to serving beneficiaries residing/working within 5 km radius of a CGHS Wellness Centre.
Who can exercise the one-time option to switch to CGHS?
Serving Central Government employees who are residing outside the prescribed area and presently availing facility under CS(MA) Rules, 1944 solely on account of their residence/posting outside the geographical coverage of CGHS may exercise a one-time option to be a CGHS beneficiary.
Is the option to switch to CGHS available multiple times?
No. The option shall be a one-time exercise and once exercised, shall be final and binding, subject to the applicable eligibility criterion.
Does the option apply to family members/dependents?
Yes. The option exercised by the principal beneficiary shall apply to all dependents. The entitlement shall not be split between the two systems within the family.
Can an employee avail both CGHS and CS(MA) benefits?
No. An employee/family covered under CGHS shall not simultaneously avail or claim medical facilities under CS(MA), and vice versa.
Is TA/DA admissible for availing CGHS treatment?
No. No TA/DA shall be applicable on account of availing treatment and procurement of medicine under CGHS Rules.
What happens if an employee does not exercise the option?
Employees who do not exercise the option to come under CGHS shall continue to be governed by the CS(MA) Rules, 1944, as applicable.
Is CGHS mandatory for employees residing within the covered area?
Yes. Serving Central Government employees residing or posted within the CGHS Covered Area (limits of district headquarters where CGHS Wellness Centre is situated) shall mandatorily be covered under CGHS and shall not be entitled to opt out in favour of CS(MA) Rules, 1944.
What is the penalty for furnishing false information?
Any employee/beneficiary furnishing false, incorrect, suppressed or misleading information for obtaining or continuing CGHS benefits shall be liable for appropriate disciplinary action under the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, in addition to recovery of any inadmissible benefit.
When does this OM come into effect?
The provisions of this OM shall come into force with immediate effect from 17th September 2026.
Who issued this OM?
This OM has been issued by Sonika Khattar, Deputy Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (EHS Section).
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