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7th Pay Commission: The central government has taken an important step towards making health facilities more inclusive. The Central Government has decided to provide medical benefits to transgender dependents under the Central Health and Family Welfare Ministry (Moh & FW), Central Health Scheme (CGHS) and Central Services (Medical Care) Rules, 1944. Transgender children and siblings of central government employees and pensioners will now be able to take advantage of these benefits regardless of their age. This step is being considered a major step towards inclusion and social justice.
What is this circular?
According to a recently released office memorandum, transgender children and siblings of central government employees and pensioners will now be able to get medical benefits regardless of their age. This means that now age will not be a hindrance for these dependents and they will be entitled to complete medical facilities. This move of the government is considered an important initiative towards ensuring equality, social justice and inclusion for the transgender community. This will also ensure health protection of transgender dependents in the families of central government employees.
This decision is in line with the provisions of the Transgender Person (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. According to the government order of 16 September 2025, it has been clarified that transgender children or siblings will be eligible for these benefits only when they are completely financially dependent. In a 2016 notification by the Ministry of Health, its definition and income limit has already been fixed. Additionally, the beneficiaries must have a certificate issued by the District Magistrate, which is valid under the Transgender Person (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
Many improvements have been made in CGHS.
Significantly, in the last 12 months, many improvements have been made in CGHS. The government has improved the portal and mobile application, has increased cashless treatment to more hospitals, has included new private hospitals and diagnostic centers in the panel, simplified online referral systems, focus on availability of drugs and open a dedicated helpdesk for senior citizens. Millions of beneficiaries have directly benefited from these initiatives.