CGHS Card Rules: Inclusion and Reinstatement of Eligible Divorced and Widowed Daughters of Family Pensioners
File No. S.11030/321/2026-EHS (8430063)
Government of India
1/3910699/2026
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 Sd/-
Ashish Kumar Yadav
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Tel No. 011-24013263
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