Treatment rates for central employees fixed after 15 years, know how your money will be saved?:

News India Live, Digital Desk: CGHS Package Rates : A good news has emerged for central employees and pensioners! Under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), new package rates have now been implemented for treatment in hospitals, the direct benefit of which is going to be given to lakhs of beneficiaries across the country. After a long gap of about 15 years, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has made a major revision in these rates, which will now make it even easier and convenient to get treatment in the hospital. These new rates have become effective across the country from 13 October 2025.

In fact, beneficiaries covered under CGHS often complained that due to old and low rates, they faced difficulty in getting cashless treatment from hospitals, and later had to wait a long time for refund even after paying the bill. On the other hand, the hospitals also argued that the previous rates were so low that they were making it difficult to provide quality medical services and meet their expenses. Keeping all these problems in mind and to improve the quality of health services, the government has taken this important step.

What changes happened in the rules and rates of CGHS?

Under the new instructions, prices of more than 2,000 medical procedures and tests have now been revised. The determination of these rates will now depend on many factors, such as the category of the hospital, the classification of the city (e.g. Tier-1, Tier-2, Tier-3 city), and which ward the beneficiary is using.

• Difference by cities: In Tier-2 cities, treatment rates will be 19% less than the base rate, while in Tier-3 cities this reduction will be up to 20%.
• Hospital Recognition: For hospitals that are accredited by NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers) or NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories), the prescribed ‘base rate’ will be applicable.
• Unrecognized Hospital: If a hospital is not NABH/NABL accredited, the rates will be 15% less than the base rate.
• Super-Speciality Hospital: Treatment in super-speciality hospitals (like cardiology, neurosurgery, oncology) with more than 200 beds will cost 15% more than the base rate.
• Ward Type: The new rates of semi-private ward have now been decided. If beneficiaries get treatment in a general ward, the rates will be 5% lower, while if they choose a private ward, they will have to pay 5% more. However, rates for consultation fees, radiotherapy and some minor procedures will remain the same in all wards.

With all these amendments, CGHS beneficiaries will now be able to get better and more affordable treatment than before. Besides, it will also become easier to avail the facility of cashless treatment, especially pensioners, MPs and freedom fighters will continue to get this facility. Complete detailed information about these new rates can be seen on the official CGHS website of the Health Ministry (cghs.mohfw.in). This initiative is a great relief for lakhs of central employees and their families, which will enable them to avail quality medical care without any financial worries.