Govt Employees Can Avail Health Benefits Even Without CGHS Card: Check How to Apply for CGHS-Ayushman card

Government employee who have not applied for the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) can still benefit under the scheme if they are contributing to the Scheme from their salary. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has made it clear that Central Government employees who are already paying for CGHS through salary deductions must be issued CGHS cards without delay. This ensures that the eligible employees do not miss the healthcare benefits due to procedural delays.

As per the office memorandum dated April 7, 2025, the government has directed all special and additional director generals (SDGs/ADGs) to ensure that all the employees of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) who are contributing towards the CGHS are issued CGHS cards.

If any employee does not apply for the CGHS card even after being reminded in writing, their case should be reported to higher authorities so that necessary action can be taken.

The matter has been acknowledged by the Department of Health, and it believes that if government employees are already having CGHS contributions deducted from their salary, it would be unfair to deny them CGHS benefits just because they have not applied for a CGHS card.

The ministry explained that the monthly deductions for CGHS from an employee’s salary do not depend on whether the employee has filled out an application form. It is the responsibility of the administrative branch to work with the accounts section to start the deduction process and ensure the CGHS card is issued.

Therefore, even if an employee hasn’t applied for the card, they are still considered a CGHS member as long as the monthly contribution is being deducted from their salary.

How to Apply for CGHS Card?

• As per the CGHS website, employees need to submit forms in prescribed format along with photos of eligible family members to the Ministry or Department or Office, where the employees works.
• The application form is then sent to the office of Additional Director CGHS of the relevant city for making of the card.
• The plastic cards are given through the Wellness Centres in case of pensioners. SMS is sent to the mobile number of serving employees also.

The government employees can also print their CGHS card by visiting the CGHS portal cghs.gov.in (As per OM No. Z.15025/1/2016/DIR/CGHS, dated 31st March, 2016). They can take a color printout of the card, get it laminated, and use it just like a regular plastic card. CGHS services can also be used even by showing the index card, which is given on the same day the CGHS application is submitted.