These government employees are receiving direct benefits, learn the full details

Central Government Employees News: The ECHS has made a major change to its treatment rates. Now, the scheme will adopt the Central Government’s new CGHS rate package. Following the Health Ministry’s notification of October 3, 2025, these new rates came into effect from December 15, 2025. This directly benefits ex-servicemen and their families who receive treatment at ECHS-empanelled hospitals. According to the new rules, the updated CGHS rates will be directly applicable to medical reimbursement claims, including all OPD and IPD services. Additionally, service pensioners and other eligible beneficiaries will continue to enjoy cashless treatment.

Learn the full details

The major changes in the new rates were based on the quality of the hospital and the city category. Hospitals without NABH or NABL accreditation will see a 15 percent reduction in rates, while super-specialty hospitals will continue to receive 15 percent more than the standard NABH rates. Changes have also been made based on the category of cities. Rates for Tier-II cities are 10 percent lower than those for Tier-I cities, and 20 percent lower for Tier-III cities. Northeastern states, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh have been placed in the Y-category. This means that the location and quality of the hospital will now determine the total cost of treatment.

Rates will also vary by ward. All new package rates are based on semi-private wards. If a patient is admitted to a general ward, the rate will be reduced by 5 percent, while a 5 percent increase will apply in private wards. Prices for OPD consultations, radiotherapy, tests, daycare, and minor procedures will remain the same across all wards. The old CGHS rates for surgery for cancer patients will remain applicable, but new rates will apply to chemotherapy, investigations, and radiotherapy.

Learn about the formula

ECHS has also clarified the formula for calculating rates. If the base price of a package is A, A – 5% will be added to the bill for General wards, A for Semi-Private wards, and A + 5% for Private wards. This calculation will be done by the hospital based on the ward entitlement listed on the patient’s ECHS card.

ECHS is a major government scheme providing affordable, reliable, and well-organized healthcare services to veterans and their families across the country. It provides cashless treatment through military hospitals, polyclinics, and private panel hospitals.