CGHS Card: Inclusion and Reinstatement of Eligible Divorced and Widowed Daughters of Family Pensioners
File No. S.11030/321/2026-EHS (8430063)
Government of India
I/3910699/2026
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
(EHS Section)
Kartavya Bhavan-1, New Delhi
Dated 28-10-2026
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Inclusion and reinstatement of eligible divorced and widowed daughters in CGHS cards of Family Pensioners – regarding.
The undersigned is directed to invite attention to this Ministry’s OM No. 37-1-97-C&P/CGHS/pt.III/CGHS(P) dated 26.05.1999, which governs the eligibility criteria for family members under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). Under the existing guidelines, there is no provision to add or reinstate dependent family members into a CGHS card held by a family pensioner following the demise of the original primary cardholder.
2. This Ministry has been receiving several representations highlighting hardships faced by elderly family pensioners-particularly those whose divorced or widowed daughters have returned to reside with them, have no independent source of livelihood, and are suffering from serious medical conditions requiring sustained healthcare support.
3. The matter has been comprehensively examined in this Ministry and it has been decided to permit the addition and reinstatement of eligible divorced or widowed daughters into the CGHS cards held by family pensioners, subject to verification of marital status, dependency, income and fulfilment of other prescribed eligibility conditions.
4. All other terms and conditions under the CGHS rules shall remain applicable.
5. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.
Digitally signed by
(Ashish Kumar Yadav)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Tel No. 011-24013263
To,
- All Ministries and Departments of the Government of India
- The Director, Directorate General of CGHS, R. K Puram, New Delhi.
- MCTC for uploading on website.
Kind Attention:
(Smt. Anandi Lohani, H. No. 84, B-Block, Near Golf Course, Sector-39, Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar, UP.)
Text of Dept. of Health, Lr. No. 37-1-97-C&P/CGHS/Pt. III/CGHS (P), dt. 26.5.1999
Female Family Pensioner can avail Medical Facilities only for the Dependents of the Deceased CGHS Beneficiary
I am directed to refer to your letter, dated 17.2.1999 stating that in view of the fact that a female Government servant has the option to avail medical facilities either for her parents or parents-in-law, a clarification may be given whether the said option is available to a female family pensioner also.
2. In this connection, it is stated that the CGHS card is issued to the family and dependents of the Central Government servant/pensioner. On the death of the Central Government servant/pensioner who was availing CGHS facilities, the spouse/children who become family pensioners continue to avail the same CGHS facilities, as was being availed by the Central Government servant/pensioner prior to his/her death. Hence, the scope of the term family and/or dependent of the Central Government servant/pensioner cannot be further extended to the family pensioner who starts drawing family pension after the demise of the Central Government servant/pensioner.
Click here to view/download PDF
COMMENTS