India relaxes CGHS rules for dependents with critical illnesses

The Government of India's Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has issued an Office Memorandum introducing relaxations to the CGHS/CS(MA) Rules, 1944. The new regulations modify age and marital status requirements for dependent sons and brothers receiving medical benefits.

Under previous guidelines, unmarried dependent sons were generally eligible for CGHS facilities until age 25, while dependent brothers were eligible until age 18. While permanently disabled dependents could receive lifelong coverage, the new rules extend lifelong medical attendance facilities to dependent sons and brothers suffering from critical or terminal illnesses.

To qualify for this extension, dependents must meet prescribed dependency conditions and undergo assessment and recommendation by a competent Medical Board. The policy is intended to support individuals with chronic, severe, or terminal illnesses that result in substantial and continuing functional impairment, preventing them from achieving self-sufficiency.