Cghs: There is a big relief news for the beneficiaries of the Central Government’s Health Scheme (CGHS). The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a new order. Now, if not getting medicines from dispensary, it will be easy to take medicines from the shop outside. Under the new rules, patients can now buy OPD medicines from the open market of non-availability certificate (NAC) i.e. retail shop.
What was the rule yet
Till now, if no medicine was in a wellness center or hospital under CGHS, it was necessary to take NAC. Without this certificate, the patient could not get his money back on purchasing medicine from outside. But now due to technical difficulties, the government has temporarily removed the condition of NAC.
Rules due to change in HMIS easy
Since 28 April 2025, the entire system of CGHS has been shifted to a new digital platform. Earlier this system used to run on the NIC platform, but now it has been brought to the new Health Management Information System (HMIS) developed by C-DAC.
Due to this change, many patients had trouble getting medicines. Keeping this in mind, the government has given a special discount of one month from 28 April to 31 May 2025. Now patients can only buy medicines from outside on the basis of the valid slip of the doctor and they will also get rebels, even if they have not taken NAC.
CGHS closed old websites
The first two websites of CGHS – www.cghs.gov.in and www.cghs.nic.in – were working. These have now been closed and the new official website www.cghs.mohfw.gov.in has been started. According to the government, this new system will give further transparency in medicines and other services.
How will you get rebels?
Patients will have to apply with bills and doctor’s slip at these places for rebels of medicines.
Pensioners: CMO will get rebrances after the CMO’s forwarding.
Serving staff: You can apply for rebels in your department.
MP (MPS): You can apply through Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha Secretariat.
Employees of Autonomous Institute and Air India: Can apply through the office of their respective institute.
20 year old system stopped
The old digital system of CGHS started in 2005 and was never updated in the last 20 years. On 26 April 2025, all CGHS Wellness Centers were closed to the common people and the old websites were also closed on 28 April. Now all the services are available only on the new website and the entire CGHS system has become digital.
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