New CGHS Guidelines: The central government has issued new guidelines, making major changes to the rules related to CGHS and ECHS. The Ministry of Defense has issued an order implementing the revised CGHS/ECHS rates from December 15, 2025. Additionally, all existing MoA agreements will be considered canceled from midnight of that date.
This means that all private hospitals will now have to complete the process of remaining on the panel by applying digitally again. Hospitals that do not submit the undertaking on time will be automatically de-empanelled.
CGHS and ECHS beneficiaries across the country will benefit
This government decision will directly impact CGHS and ECHS beneficiaries across the country. Hospitals have long complained about the old rates, claiming that payment rates had not been updated despite rising medical costs. Meanwhile, pensioners and government employees want transparency in billing and accountability for service denials. Therefore, the new rules aim to bring uniformity to costs, improve digital claims processes, and increase hospital accountability.
What is the detail?
Several major updates to the CGHS system have already been made in 2025, including expanding cashless treatment for pensioners, fully digitizing the referral system, imposing stricter penalties on hospitals, and expanding tele-consultation services. Rates for surgeries, diagnostics, ICU, dialysis, and room rent have also been updated to bring treatment more in line with private hospital standards. Overall, this year has been a year of modernizing the CGHS system and improving patient-hospital coordination.
Hospitals now have clear instructions: log in to the online portal, upload documents, accept the new terms, and sign a new agreement within 90 days. Failure to do so will result in their de-empanelment. For beneficiaries, this means services will continue, but some hospitals may be temporarily de-empaneled, causing some inconvenience. However, the new rates and digital system are expected to make cashless treatment and claim settlement more seamless in the future.