Some key features of CGHS include:
- Beneficiaries: Central government employees, pensioners, members of Parliament, judges of the Supreme Court, journalists, and certain other categories of employees are eligible.
- Coverage: It offers medical treatment through CGHS wellness centers (previously called dispensaries), empaneled private hospitals, diagnostic centers, and AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) services.
- Services: Beneficiaries can receive outpatient treatment, hospitalization, diagnostics, emergency care, and the supply of medicines.
- Cities Covered: Initially, CGHS was operational in major cities. Over time, it has expanded to over 70 cities across India.
The scheme is popular for offering affordable and wide-ranging healthcare services to central government employees and retirees.