The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has announced a significant revision of the rates under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), which will come into effect from October 13, 2025.
The revised rates will be applicable to all treatments available at CGHS-empanelled healthcare organisations (HCOs), as well as to medical reimbursement claims made by serving central government employees, pensioners, and other eligible CGHS beneficiaries. The updated structure also covers cashless treatment extended to pensioners and specific categories as per the prevailing rules.
The new rates aim to rationalise the cost of healthcare services under CGHS by introducing a structured framework that differentiates rates based on factors such as accreditation status of hospitals, the city in which the hospital is located, and the patient’s ward entitlement. Non-accredited hospitals (Non-NABH and Non-NABL) will receive 15 percent lower rates than those accredited by NABH or NABL. Whereas, super-specialty hospitals will be entitled to 15 percent higher rates for relevant treatments compared to NABH-accredited hospitals within the same city category.
Hospitals located in Tier-II and Tier-III cities will receive rates that are 10 percent and 20 percent lower, respectively, than those in Tier-I cities. The new package rates are based on semi-private ward entitlement. For general ward patients, the rates will be reduced by 5 percent, while for private ward entitlement, a 5 percent increase will be applicable on the admissible amount. However, charges for outpatient consultations, investigations, day care procedures, and radiotherapy will remain the same across all ward categories.
In regard to cancer treatment, existing CGHS rates and rules for surgeries will continue. However, chemotherapy, investigations, and radiotherapy procedures will now follow the revised rate structure.
A key administrative reform accompanies the rate revision. All existing Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs) with empanelled private hospitals will cease to be valid from 12:00 AM on October 13, 2025.
Under the notification, the ministry has urged the hospitals seeking to continue under CGHS to reapply for empanelment through a revised Hospital Engagement Module. They are required to submit an undertaking on or before October 13, 2025, confirming their acceptance of the new terms and conditions. Failure to do so will result in automatic de-empanelment. The revised MoAs must be formally signed within 90 days of the new rate structure coming into effect.
The complete list of revised rates is available on the CGHS website at https://cghs.mohfw.gov.in.
Commenting on the revised Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rates, Ameera Shah, President, NATHEALTH and Executive Chairperson, Metropolis Healthcare said, “NATHEALTH – Healthcare Federation of India welcomes the Government’s decision to revise the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rates. This reform, along with the earlier GST relief, reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and addressing long-standing concerns of the sector. We thank the Government for considering NATHEALTH’s recommendations and acting upon them through this important policy measure. CGHS is a vital programme for millions of beneficiaries, and the revised rates will improve access to safe and effective healthcare while enhancing system efficiency.
She further suggested, “CGHS and other government-sponsored schemes be periodically benchmarked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), thereby ensuring predictability, sustainability, and a win–win value proposition for patients, providers, and policymakers. As the apex industry body, NATHEALTH and its members remain committed to partnering with the Government to drive healthcare reforms that deliver accessible, affordable, and high-quality care for every Indian.”