In a significant update for CGHS beneficiaries, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has announced that all contributions to the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) must now be made exclusively through the official CGHS website. This new directive, outlined in a recent circular, comes into effect from April 28, 2025.
The circular states that the manual payment facility via http://www.bharatkosh.gov.in has been discontinued. Previously, central government pensioners used the Bharatkosh portal to pay their CGHS subscription fees and to apply for or renew their CGHS cards.
“28th April onwards, CGHS Contribution shall be only through the CGHS website, i.e., http://www.cghs.mohfw.gov.in. The existing manual process of payment available on http://www.bharatkosh.gov.in shall discontinue from 28th April 2025,” the circular issued last month said.
The purpose of this change is to streamline the process, making it more user-friendly, transparent, and technology-driven.
Did not pay on time? Application will be canceled
The government has also made it clear that if anyone has not made the payment under the old process by 27 April 2025, then his application will be automatically canceled. In such a situation, you will have to apply again by going to the new portal. So if you have not made the payment yet, then use the new portal without delay.
Along with this, the government has advised all CGHS beneficiaries above 18 years of age to link their beneficiary ID with their PAN card and get any kind of mistake corrected immediately.
Old system completely out, now new digital system is ready
The old system of CGHS, which was created in 2005, has never been updated in the last 20 years and is now technically backward. Therefore, the government has decided to completely shut it down and start a new, modern system.
Now the new Health Management Information System (HMIS) prepared by C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) is being introduced. This system is completely digital, does automatic verification and provides tracking facility in real-time.
To implement this change smoothly, all CGHS Wellness Centers were closed for the general public on 26 April 2025. At the same time, from April 28, old websites – such as http://www.cghs.gov.in and http://www.cghs.nic.in – were also shut. After this, all services are now available only on the new portal.
Password will have to be reset while logging in for the first time
When you login for the first time on the new portal, you will have to reset your password. You will keep getting information about the status of your application through SMS and email.
To further improve the facility, the government has also launched the ‘myCGHS’ mobile app. Through this app, you can do many card-related services like card transfer, adding dependents, or changing card type – everything online.