8th Pay Commission Latest News Today: CGHS card is not just a plastic piece for central employee. This is a trust. This is a guarantee that the government stands with him and his family in old age or in a difficult disease.
This Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), which has been going on since 1954, has been like a security shield for crores of employees and pensioners.
In the last 10 years, especially in the era of the 7th Pay Commission (2016-2025), there were many attempts to make this armor even stronger and modern. But now, when the discussion of the 8th Pay Commission in the country is in full swing, a huge question is floating in the fishes- is the 70-year-old CGHS era is going to end now?
According to sources, the government can bring a new insurance scheme for central employees. It may be that with the recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission, the government brought a completely new, modern and insurance based health schemes instead of CGHS.
Why is the voice of change rising?
During the 7th Pay Commission, CGHS has come a long way. Every effort was made to make it a modern digital platform by taking it out of an old, files.
Steps towards digital revolution
There was an initiative to connect CGHS card to Ayushman Bharat Health Account (Abha). The new HMIS portal was implemented by replacing the old system for payment. MyCGHS app was launched, so that work like card transfer, connecting family members started on mobile.
Rules made easy
Eligibility of General, Semi-Private and Private Ward in private hospitals was linked to the basic salary of employees, which ended confusion. The referral process was made easier. Now treatment is possible in government hospitals without referral and three specialists can be consulted on the same referral for private hospitals.
New and fast facilities
Services like physiotherapy started getting at home. The process of approval of medical devices like CPAP, Bipap and Oxygen Consentor was reduced to 5 days online and faster.
When everything is improving, why need a new scheme? (Why a new insurance scheme?)
This is a legitimate question. When CGHS is being improved so much, then why is there a discussion to change it completely? There may be some big and far -reaching reasons behind this.
1. Growing scope and expenses
The number of beneficiaries of CGHS is continuously increasing, due to which the burden of spending on the government is also increasing. An insurance model can organize this expense more.
2. Flexible model of private insurance
An insurance based scheme (which can be a possible name Cgephis) can provide more flexible and advance facilities like a private sector.
3. Dream of cashless treatment
The main focus of the new scheme can be on providing a strong network of large private hospitals across the country to provide a complete cashless and hassle-free treatment.
What are the expectations from the 8th Pay Commission? (8th Pay Commission Expectations)
Even though the official announcement of the 8th Pay Commission is yet to be done, it is certain that it will be considered effective from 1 January 2026. Employees and pensioners are waiting for the increase in salary and pension, but now their eyes are also on what will be the future of their health scheme.
What are the demands of employees?
Better facilities
Employees say that when their health contribution (monthly cut) will increase after the fitment factor increases, the facilities should also be better and world class in the same proportion.
Expansion of hospitals
Until the new scheme comes, CS (MA) and ECHS (for the Army) should also be included in the panel of CGHS so that treatment options increase and the burden on big cities is reduced.
Conclusion: Only the message of increase in salary
The 8th Pay Commission (8th Pay Commission) is not only bringing the message of increase in salary for central employees, but it can also write a new screenplay of the future of their entire healthcare system. Giving way to a new insurance scheme of 70 years old and reliable CGHS will be a very big and generational change. How much better and easy health facilities will be given to the employees, the answer will give time to come. But one thing is certain, the government is now preparing to lay the foundation for a big and far -reaching change regarding the health of its employees.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is CGHS?
A: CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) is a health scheme for central government employees, pensioners and their dependents, which have been running since 1954.
Q2. When will the 8th Pay Commission be implemented?
A: The recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission are expected to be implemented from 1 January 2026, even though its report came later.
Q3. Can the beneficiaries of CGHS get treatment in private hospitals?
A: Yes, beneficiaries can get treatment at government rates in private hospitals included in the panel of CGHS.
Q4. What is Cgephis?
A: Cgephis (Central Government Employees and Pensioners Health Insurance Scheme) is a proposed insurance based health scheme, which can replace CGHS.
Q5. Will this change affect pensioners?
A: Yes, any new health plan will apply equally to both employees and pensioners.