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New Delhi: The Central Govt Health Scheme (CGHS) has seen strong expansion in five years, with 468 hospitals empanelled nationwide in 2025, far outpacing the 42 hospitals that exited the scheme during the same period. Official data tabled in Parliament showed that despite a rise in exits this year, the overall network has grown sharply, expanding treatment options for lakhs of govt employees and pensioners across the country.A year-wise analysis highlights steady growth with intermittent churn. In 2021, CGHS empanelled 266 hospitals, while 22 exited. Following year saw 275 additions and 20 exits. Expansion accelerated in 2023, when 398 hospitals were empanelled, though exits also rose to 23. In 2024, 363 hospitals joined the network and 13 exited, marking relative stability. The year 2025 stands out for both record empanelment and highest exit count so far — yet still delivers largest net gain in five years.
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Much of the expansion has come from large, high-demand states. Delhi, which probably is home to the highest number of CGHS beneficiaries, added 189 hospitals in 2025, reflecting both rising CGHS usage and the capital’s dense private healthcare market. UP empanelled 62 hospitals, Rajasthan 31, Haryana 38, Maharashtra 30 and Bengal 42. These additions have significantly widened access, particularly in urban centres where CGHS footfall is heavy.At the same time, exits have been concentrated in a handful of large states. UP recorded 15 exits in 2025, which was around a third of the national number, followed by Karnataka (6), Maharashtra (5) and Delhi (3). Over the past five years, cumulative exits have reached 20 in UP, 19 in Karnataka, 18 in Maharashtra and 11 in Delhi. Beneficiaries say even limited exits can cause disruption, forcing patients to change hospitals mid-treatment, repeat diagnostic tests or travel farther for care — a particular burden for pensioners and those with chronic illnesses.Hospital groups argue that growth in empanelment does not automatically translate into stability. “The numbers show expansion, but retention depends on how smoothly hospitals are paid and how disputes are resolved,” said Association of Heathcare Providers-India member Dr C M Bhagat. He pointed out that while the recent revision of CGHS package rates on Oct 3, effective October 13, 2025, is a step forward, hospitals continue to flag delayed reimbursements and deductions as key reasons for exiting.The health ministry has said CGHS wellness centres are opened based on demand and that cashless treatment is already available to pensioners and other priority groups at empanelled hospitals. As CGHS usage grows in major cities, experts say the challenge ahead is clear: ensuring that rapid expansion is matched by hospital retention and continuity of care, so that beneficiaries experience not just a larger network, but a more reliable one. Go to Source
