Big relief for central govt employees:
CGHS rates to be revised soon, says Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya
Jul 18, 2025
Synopsis
CGHS rate list: The Centre is poised to revise CGHS rates to enhance healthcare services for central government employees, as assured by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. Maharashtra seeks increased ESIS access by raising the income eligibility limit and requests additional financial support to improve healthcare infrastructure. Pending ESIC hospital projects will be expedited, with a comprehensive review planned for Maharashtra.
In a move that may provide big relief to central government employees, the Centre may revise the CGHS rates soon. The Centre will soon revise the rates under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) to improve healthcare services, Union Minister for Labour and Employment Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said, a HT report stated. He gave this assurance during a meeting with Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Ambedkar in New Delhi. The meeting was held to review the status of Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESIS) hospitals in the state.
CGHS rate revisions last year:
In September last year, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare revised the CGHS rates for advanced neuro-implants. The update covered medical devices such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) implants, Intra-Thecal Pumps, and Spinal Cord Stimulators. These implants are used for the treatment of chronic conditions like Parkinson’s disease and long-term pain.
According to the revised policy, only specialists from government hospitals can prescribe these implants. DBS implants, which target specific areas of the brain to control movement disorders, must be prescribed by a neurologist. Intra-Thecal Pumps and Spinal Cord Stimulators—used for direct delivery of pain relief—require approval from two specialists in neurology or neurosurgery. Final clearance for all such procedures is granted by the CGHS Director.
CGHS revised prices for neuro-implants
The updated CGHS rates (including GST) are as follows:
DBS Non-Rechargeable Device: ₹8.37 lakh to ₹10.32 lakh
DBS Rechargeable Device: ₹11.24 lakh to ₹13.89 lakh
Intra-Thecal Pump: ₹5.29 lakh
Spinal Cord Stimulator: ₹13.90 lakh
These rates apply only to the cost of the implants and do not include expenses for surgery or hospitalization.
Supersedes older guidelines
The new pricing and approval guidelines issued in September override all earlier circulars released in 2008, 2014, and 2018. This change was aimed at simplifying the approval process and ensuring reimbursement is aligned with current market rates for these advanced medical devices.
Ambedkar urges broader ESIS access
During the meeting, Ambedkar requested the Union government to raise the income eligibility limit for ESIS beneficiaries from ₹21,000 to ₹30,000 per month. “This would allow more workers to access the scheme and help expand coverage across the state,” he said.
Ambedkar also asked for additional financial support from the Centre to improve healthcare infrastructure and services for workers and their families. The review meeting covered operational challenges and pending construction works at ESIC hospitals in Andheri, Kolhapur, and Ulhasnagar.
Pending projects to be fast-tracked
Dr Mandaviya assured that the incomplete works at these ESIC hospitals would be completed soon. He said the director-general of ESIC would be directed to prioritise and expedite these projects. He also informed that he would personally visit the ESIS hospital in Andheri with the state health minister.
The Union Minister suggested a comprehensive review of all ESIC hospitals in Maharashtra. He added that the Centre was also considering upgrading the ESIC hospital in Nashik in light of the upcoming Kumbh Mela.
“This meeting will boost efforts to strengthen ESIC healthcare facilities across Maharashtra and will help ensure better medical services for insured workers,” said Ambedkar.
Current status of ESIS in Maharashtra
According to official data, Maharashtra currently has 15 ESIS hospitals, 134 service dispensaries, and 450 empanelled private hospitals. These facilities collectively serve about 4.87 million insured workers and their families—covering nearly two crore people under the scheme.
The meeting was also attended by Health Secretary Virendra Singh, ESIS Commissioner Ramesh Chavan, and other senior government officials.
[The Economic Times]
