For years, a peculiar disparity existed in the Union Territories. An IAS officer retiring from the AGMUT cadre and a DANICS officer retiring from the same administration often faced different administrative hurdles when accessing post-retirement health benefits. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) has finally addressed this grievance.

In a decisive move regarding equity in medical care, the government has issued orders extending Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) facilities to retired officials of the DANICS (Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Civil Service) and AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union Territory) cadres. Crucially, this extension is “at par” with All India Services (AIS) pensioners.

Why This Order Matters?

Previously, pensioners from these specific services often had to rely on the CS(MA) Rules or specific UT administration health schemes, which are reimbursement-based and often geographically limited. By bringing them under the CGHS umbrella “at par with AIS,” the Ministry has opened the door to cashless treatment at empanelled private hospitals across India, not just in their home cadre state.

This is particularly vital for officers who settle down in Delhi NCR or other metro cities after serving lifetime tenures in remote locations like the Andaman Islands or Lakshadweep.

Subscription & Entitlement: The New Norm

The “At Par” clause is significant. It implies that the contribution rates and ward entitlements will strictly follow the 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix levels, irrespective of the service origin.

Administrative Observation: Ideally, PPOs (Pension Payment Orders) for DANICS/AGMUT officers are issued by the respective UT Administration. To avail of this new CGHS facility, pensioners must ensure their PPO explicitly mentions their final pay level. The CGHS card will be generated based on the “Last Pay Drawn” recorded in the PPO, not the pension amount.

Actionable Advice for Retirees

If you are a DANICS or AGMUT pensioner currently holding a state-specific health card, do not destroy it immediately. Apply for the CGHS card online via the CGHS Beneficiary Portal. You will need to upload your PPO and a copy of this MoHFW order. Once the plastic card is active, you can surrender the state facility if required to avoid dual-benefit objections during audit.