CGHS Card Holders: There is a big relief news for the beneficiaries of the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a new order. Under the new rules, now patients can buy OPD medicines from the open market i.e. retail shop without Non-Availability Certificate (NAC)
CGHS Card Holders: There is a big relief news for the beneficiaries of the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a new order. Now it will be easy to get medicines from outside shops if medicines are not available from the dispensary. Under the new rules, now patients can buy OPD medicines from the open market i.e. retail shop without Non-Availability Certificate (NAC).
What was the rule till now
Till now, if any medicine was not available in the wellness center or hospital under CGHS, then it was necessary to take NAC. Without this certificate, patients could not get their money back i.e. reimbursement on buying medicines from outside. But now due to technical difficulties, the government has temporarily removed the condition of NAC.
Rules made easier due to changes in HMIS
From 28 April 2025, the entire system of CGHS has been shifted to a new digital platform. Earlier this system used to run on the platform of NIC, but now it has been brought on 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 exemption of one month from 28 April to 31 May 2025. Now patients can buy medicines from outside only on the basis of a valid prescription of the doctor and they will also get reimbursement, even if they have not taken NAC.
CGHS closed old websites
Earlier 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 bring transparency and speed in providing medicines and other services.
How will reimbursement be given?
Patients will have to apply for reimbursement of medicines at these places with bill and doctor’s prescription.
- Pensioners: Reimbursement will be given to the CGHS Additional Director of the concerned city / zone after forwarding by the CMO.
- Serving employees: Can apply for reimbursement in their department.
- MPs: Can apply through Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha Secretariat.
- Autonomous institutions and Air India employees: Can apply through the office of their respective institution.
20 year old system closed
The old digital system of CGHS started in 2005 and was never updated in the last 20 years. On April 26, 2025, all CGHS wellness centers were closed for the general public and on April 28, the old websites were also closed. Now all the services are available only on the new website and the whole CGHS system has become digital.
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