The Centre has set April 30, 2026, as the final deadline for private hospitals to complete empanelment formalities under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) warning that no further extensions will be granted. The move aims to streamline the empanelment process and ensure continued access to healthcare services for CGHS beneficiaries. An office memorandum issued by the Director of the Central Government Health Scheme, Dr. Satheesh Y. H. on March 28 granted private hospitals additional time to complete empanelment formalities, extending the deadline from March 31 to April 30, 2026. Authorities emphasized that this is a one-time extension in response to operational and technical challenges faced by hospitals.
The empanelment process is being carried out through the HEM 2.0 portal an end-to-end digital platform designed to improve transparency and efficiency. However, several hospitals reported delays due to technical issues, system integration challenges and difficulties in completing documentation prompting the government to extend the deadline. The government has made it clear that hospitals failing to comply by April 30 will be de-empanelled from May 1, 2026. Such hospitals will no longer be eligible to provide treatment to CGHS beneficiaries or claim reimbursements under the scheme. Re-entry into the panel will require a fresh application process.
Empanelment under CGHS is crucial for private hospitals as it allows them to offer cashless treatment to central government employees, pensioners and other beneficiaries. Any lapse in empanelment could impact hospital revenues and limit patient access to healthcare services under the scheme. The CGHS Directorate has urged all healthcare organisations to expedite pending requirements, including registration updates, certificate renewals and submission of applications through the portal. Officials have stressed strict compliance to avoid disruptions in service delivery.
The April 30 deadline marks a critical step in the government’s efforts to digitize and streamline the CGHS empanelment process. With no further extensions expected, private hospitals must act swiftly to remain part of the scheme and continue serving CGHS beneficiaries.