New CGHS digital platform set to deliver faster, more transparent healthcare services

New CGHS digital platform set to deliver faster, more transparent healthcare services

The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is all set to roll out a modernized digital health platform from Monday, April 28. Developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), the new Health Management Information System (HMIS) replaces the outdated software that has been in use since 2005 and is no longer compatible with current technology and cybersecurity standards.

According to an official statement issued by the Ministry on Wednesday, the revamped HMIS aims to offer faster, transparent, and user-friendly access to CGHS services, ultimately improving service delivery and administrative efficiency. In preparation for the switchover, all CGHS services, including those at Wellness Centres, will remain closed on April 26 (Saturday) to facilitate data migration and final validation.

The digital transformation includes several major reforms. Each CGHS beneficiary will now be mapped to a unique PAN-based ID to prevent duplication and simplify entitlement verification. Contribution payments will be directly integrated with Bharat Kosh, eliminating manual inputs and reducing errors or refund complications. The application process for CGHS cards will also become more efficient, with eligibility scrutiny now occurring before the payment stage.

Modifications to existing cards—such as transfers, changes in dependent status, or category changes—can now be completed online. The system will provide real-time application tracking with SMS and email alerts at each stage. For enhanced security, all users will be required to reset their passwords upon first login, in line with MeitY cyber hygiene advisories.

Departmental identity verification will now be conducted using Pay and Accounts Office (PAO) and Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) codes as listed in employee salary slips, streamlining backend validations of sponsoring authorities. Additionally, the official CGHS mobile apps for Android and iOS have been re-launched with upgraded features, including access to the digital CGHS card, real-time tracking, appointment scheduling, and integration with helpdesks and Additional Director (AD) Offices.

From April 28, the old CGHS websites (www.cghs.gov.in and www.cghs.nic.in) will be deactivated. All services and updates will be available exclusively on the new unified CGHS platform at www.cghs.mohfw.gov.in. Beneficiaries are advised to use this portal for all registrations, applications, grievance redressal, and service requests. Legacy medical and pharmacy records are being securely migrated to the new system, in full compliance with government data protection norms.

Departments are being onboarded to the new platform to support a paperless approval process, although physical submissions may continue during the transition. From April 28 onward, contributions must be made exclusively through the new CGHS website. The manual process via www.bharatkosh.gov.in will be discontinued. Applications submitted before April 27 without payment will be considered void, requiring re-application through the new portal.

All beneficiaries aged 18 and above must link their PAN with their CGHS ID and correct any discrepancies via the beneficiary login. Further instructions for departments on platform onboarding will be released soon. Existing CGHS cards will continue to function as usual.

Support resources, including helpdesks, user manuals, and guidance from CGHS Card Sections and Additional Director Offices, will remain available to ensure a smooth transition for both departments and beneficiaries.