The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) was started under the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 1954 with the objective of providing comprehensive medical care facilities to Central Government employees, pensioners and their dependents residing in CGHS covered cities.

The main components of the Scheme are:

-The dispensary services including domiciliary care

-F. W. & M.C.H. Services

-Specialists consultation facilities both at dispensary, polyclinic and hospital

-level including X-Ray, ECG and Laboratory Examinations

-Hospitalization

-Organization for the purchase, storage, distribution and supply of medicines and other requirements

-Health Education to beneficiaries

This Scheme is applicable to the following categories of people:

-All Central Govt. Servants paid from Civil Estimates (other than those employed in Railway Services and those employed under Delhi Administration except members of Delhi Police Force).

-Pensioners drawing pension from Civil Estimates and their family members (Pensioner residing in non- CGHS areas also may obtain CGHS Card from nearest CGHS covered City)

-Members and Ex-members of Parliament

-Judges of the Supreme Court and High Court (sitting and retired)

-Freedom Fighters

-Central Government Pensioners, Employees of Semi-Autonomous bodies/Semi Government Organisations

-Accredited Journalists

-Ex-Governors and Ex-Vice-Presidents of India

The medical facilities are provided through Wellness Centres / polyclinics under Allopathic, Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Sidha and Homeopathic systems of medicines.

-254 allopathic dispensaries, 19 polyclinics, 78 Ayush dispensary units

-3 Yoga Centres

-65 Laboratories

-17 Dental Units