Widowed and Divorced Daughters Now Eligible for CGHS Coverage After Parent's Death

The Union Health Ministry has updated the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) to allow widowed and divorced daughters to be included on their parents' health cards. This provision remains valid even after the passing of the government employee or pensioner who originally held the card.

Previously, there was no mechanism to add or reinstate dependents once a family pension began following the death of the primary cardholder. The ministry introduced this change after receiving requests from pensioners who struggled to provide medical care for daughters without independent incomes.

The new benefit is not granted automatically. Officials will conduct a verification process to confirm the daughter's marital status, income level, and dependency on the family pension.

All existing CGHS eligibility criteria remain in effect. The official order was issued on October 28 and has been distributed to all relevant government departments.