The central government has removed the geographical restriction that earlier determined whether serving central government employees could avail themselves of healthcare facilities under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). Such employees can now exercise a one-time option to be a CGHS beneficiary, as per an office memorandum (OM) dated September 17, 2026, issued by the Employees’ Health Scheme (EHS) section of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The revised provisions will come into force with immediate effect.
The decision is aimed at addressing difficulties faced by serving central government employees residing/posted either outside the above prescribed geographical coverage of CGHS or in a city not covered by the CGHS.
