India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has overhauled the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) guidelines. From April 28, 2025, all CGHS contributions must be made through the new official portal, ending the use of the Bharatkosh payment system. The change includes a fully digital Health Management Information System (HMIS) to improve efficiency, transparency, and user experience, especially for pensioners. This transition affects Central Government employees and pensioners across states, including Delhi.
In a significant move to modernize healthcare services, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has announced major changes to the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) guidelines, affecting all central government employees and pensioners. The new rules, effective from April 28, 2025, eliminate manual payments via the Bharatkosh portal and require beneficiaries to use only the official CGHS website for contributions and renewals.
Previously, pensioners across India, including those in Delhi, made their CGHS payments through www.bharatkosh.gov.in. However, this method is now obsolete. As per the latest circular, payments must be made exclusively on the CGHS portal – www.cghs.mohfw.gov.in. Any applications left unpaid via the old system by April 27, 2025, will be automatically canceled, requiring users to reapply through the new portal.
The Ministry has emphasized that this transition will bring transparency, simplicity, and digital efficiency to the CGHS. A key component of this overhaul is the Health Management Information System (HMIS) developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). This new platform automates verifications, offers real-time tracking, and ensures a smoother user experience.
To implement the system-wide shift, CGHS Wellness Centers were closed to the general public on April 26, 2025, and the previous CGHS websites – www.cghs.gov.in and www.cghs.nic.in – were shut down. All services are now centralized on the updated portal.
Beneficiaries will need to reset their passwords during the first login. They will also receive regular updates on application status via SMS and email. In a further effort to enhance accessibility, the government has launched a new mobile app, ‘myCGHS’, allowing users to manage services like card transfers, adding dependents, or changing card types.
The Ministry assures that all existing data – including medical history, referrals, and card details – remains secure and intact. To facilitate the transition, master trainers have been deployed at CGHS offices and wellness centers to assist beneficiaries.
Additionally, all users above 18 years of age are urged to link their beneficiary ID with their PAN card and rectify any discrepancies immediately.
This digital shift, according to the Health Ministry, aims to make the CGHS more reliable and convenient, especially for senior citizens and pensioners, aligning with India’s broader goal of digital governance.
