8th Pay Commission: In January 2025, there was news that the government may replace CGHS with the 'Central Government Employees and Pensioners Health Insurance Scheme' (CGEPHIS). But, no official announcement has been made yet.

8th Pay Commission CGHS: The central government had announced the formation of the 8th Pay Commission in January 2025. The main job of this commission is to recommend revision of salaries and allowances of central employees and pensioners. But this time everyone's eyes are on whether the commission will recommend changing CGHS (Central Health Scheme)?

What is CGHS?

CGHS currently provides health facilities to central employees and pensioners. However, many problems of this scheme have come to the fore. The biggest problem is that the network of CGHS is not spread all over the country. Employees and pensioners living in small towns and rural areas are not able to get its benefits.

The last two pay commissions (6th and 7th) had also recommended replacing CGHS. The 6th Pay Commission had suggested starting an alternative health insurance scheme. At the same time, the 7th Pay Commission had clearly said that health insurance can be the long-term solution.

CGHS people will get benefit

In January 2025, there was news that the Ministry of Health may replace CGHS with 'Central Government Employees and Pensioners Health Insurance Scheme' (CGEPHIS). This scheme can be implemented through IRDAI registered insurance companies.

The big question before the 8th Pay Commission will be whether it makes any concrete recommendation in this direction. If the new scheme is implemented, employees and pensioners will be able to get better health facilities. Especially those people will benefit who live in small towns and are currently unable to avail the benefits of CGHS.

All eyes on the 8th Pay Commission

Experts believe that an insurance-based scheme will make the process of cashless treatment easier and more hospitals will join this network. However, there has been no official announcement in this regard yet. All eyes are now on the report of the 8th Pay Commission, which may come out in the next few months.