The CGHS is a scheme that provides healthcare facilities for central government employees, pensioners, and their dependents in 77 cities. The scheme was started in 1954 in Delhi.

CGHS beneficiaries either get cashless treatment in empanelled hospitals or a refund for the treatment availed in government / private hospitals in an emergency.

All central government employees are provided with a CGHS plastic card containing the photo ID and beneficiary ID number. It is mandatory to furnish this card at the wellness centre if the beneficiary seeks to avail themselves of any of the facilities under CGHS.

The medical facilities are provided through Wellness Centres (previously referred to as CGHS Dispensaries) / polyclinics under Allopathic, Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathic systems of medicines.

The main components of the CGHS are dispensary services, specialist consultation facilities at the dispensary, polyclinic, and hospital level, hospitalisation etc.