CGHS Update: Patients Can Now Buy Medicines Without NAC Due to System Shift

The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) has announced major relief for its beneficiaries. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has allowed patients to buy OPD (outpatient department) medicines from the open market without needing a Non-Availability Certificate (NAC).

This step is expected to make it easier for lakhs of government employees, pensioners, and other CGHS users to access important medicines during a system upgrade.

What Is NAC and Why Is It Important?

Earlier, CGHS patients needed to get an NAC if a prescribed medicine was not available at CGHS wellness centres or hospitals. The NAC confirmed the medicine’s unavailability and allowed patients to buy it from outside and claim reimbursement.

Now, from April 28 to May 31, 2025, CGHS users are not required to show an NAC for reimbursement. They can buy the prescribed medicine directly from the market and claim the cost back.

Why Was This Change Made?

This decision was taken after several CGHS users faced problems while trying to get their medicines. These issues happened during the transition from the old digital system to a new Health Management Information System (HMIS).

The CGHS HMIS platform has now moved from NIC (National Informatics Centre) to C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) as of April 28, 2025. The ministry said the new system is still being improved and is expected to make medicine delivery faster and more transparent.

Reimbursement Process and Who Can Apply

Patients must keep their valid prescription and bill to claim reimbursement. The process is as follows:

• Pensioners: Submit to the CGHS Additional Director of your zone, after approval from the CMO.
• Serving Employees: Submit it to your department.
• MPs: Submit through the Rajya Sabha/Lok Sabha Secretariat.
• Autonomous bodies and Air India: Submit through your organisation.

Old System Shut Down After 20 Years

The older CGHS software, built in 2005, has now been fully replaced. It was closed permanently on April 28, 2025. All wellness centres were closed on April 26 to complete the change. The new official portal for all CGHS services is now www.cghs.mohfw.gov.in. 

Conclusion 

The government has taken a people-friendly step by temporarily relaxing rules during the tech transition. With the new digital system in place, the CGHS aims to offer faster, more reliable services.
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