CGHS pensioner card application process gets easier: Retiring central government employees can now get CGHS card through Bhavishya portal

Retiring central government employees can now enjoy a smoother process for applying for the CGHS pensioner card, thanks to the Health Ministry’s integration of the CGHS web portal with the Bhavishya web portal.

According to an office memorandum (OM) from the ministry, the new integrated system will automatically pull approved pension-related information from the Bhavishya portal to help pre-fill the CGHS pensioner card application.

The ministry added that the new features aim to provide a simplified, paperless and tech-savvy way for retiring central government employees to process their CGHS pensioner card applications.


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What has changed for the retiring central government employees?

Earlier, pension-related details were processed on the Bhavishya app, but the employee had to separately apply for a CGHS pensioner card, meaning they had to fill in the same information twice. As a result, there was additional paperwork and manual verification.

Under the integrated system, once the Bhavishya app approves pension details, the details will be automatically pulled into the CGHS application.

The Bhavishya app allows online tracking of pension sanction and payment process by individuals as well as the administrative authorities.

While the new system will reduce paperwork and manual data entry work, it will also reduce delays and prevent duplication of information.

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Who will benefit from the new CGHS integrated system?

Retiring central government employees eligible for CGHS card benefits on retirement will benefit from the integrated system.

PAN card to be used as unique identifier

The health ministry said that PAN will be used as the unique identifier for real-time validation and exchange of data between the CGHS online system and the Bhavishya portal.

How will the CGHS pensioner card be generated?

Once the pension forms are verified by the Head of Office, the Pension Payment Order (PPO) will be generated and the CGHS contribution can be paid online via the BharatKosh payment gateway. After that, the CGHS pensioner card shall be issued.

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From where can retiring employees download CGHS pensioner cards?

The approved CGHS pensioner card can be downloaded through the CGHS portal as well as the Bhavishya portal.

Bhavishya-CGHS integration system is an additional option

The ministry said that the Bhavishya-CGHS integration system is only an additional option as retiring central government employees can still use the existing online CGHS application process through the official CGHS portal.

What is CGHS?

The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) provides comprehensive medical care to central government employees and pensioners enrolled under the scheme. According to its official website, at present, approximately 42 lakh beneficiaries are covered by CGHS in 80 cities all over India.

Facilities available under CGHS

Central government and employees are eligible for a number of healthcare facilities under the CGHS system. Some of the main facilities are:

• OPD treatment including the issuance of medicines.
• Specialist consultation at polyclinic/govt hospitals and at CGHS-empanelled hospitals after referral by the CGHS.
• OPD/indoor treatment at government and empanelled hospitals.
• Investigations at government and empanelled diagnostic centres.
• Cashless facility available for treatment in empanelled hospitals and diagnostic centres for pensioners and other identified beneficiaries.
• Reimbursement of expenses for treatment availed in govt/private hospitals under emergency and specific treatment advised by govt specialist