One-Time Waiver and Revised Guidelines for Uploading Geo-Tagged Photographs of CGHS Beneficiaries
F.No. 5-36/CGHS (HQ)/HEC/2024
Government of India
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) Headquarters
CGHS Bhawan, Sector-13, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110 066
(Hospital Empanelment Cell)
Dated: 2025
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: One-Time Waiver and Revised Guidelines for Uploading Geo-Tagged Photographs of CGHS Beneficiaries.
In continuation of the earlier instructions regarding the uploading of geo-tagged photographs of CGHS beneficiaries admitted for IPD treatment, the matter has been reviewed in light of the concerns and difficulties expressed by stakeholders. It has now been decided to revise the guidelines as follows:
1. One-Time Waiver
A one-time waiver is hereby granted for the requirement of uploading daily geo-tagged photographs for the period commencing from the date on which the earlier order mandating daily uploads was issued up to the date of this O.M. A copy of the present O.M. must be appended by the HCO to every case covered by this waiver and resubmit in the TMS portal.
2. Revised Geo-Tagging Requirements
| Category | Requirement | Remarks |
| IPD – Referral Cases(e-referral) | No geo-tagged photographs required. | Referral must be valid and uploaded on NHA portal. |
| IPD – Non-Referral Cases (manual) (including emergencies, beneficiaries ≥ 70 yrs, follow-up admissions, etc.) |
| |
| OPD – With Valid Referral / Endorsement (consultation, investigations, day-care) | No geo-tagged photographs required. | |
| OPD – Without Referral | Mandatory geo-tagged photograph for:
|
3. Mode of Capture & Upload
4.1. Photographs must be geo-tagged automatically by the device (smart phone/tablet) and uploaded to the CGHS/NHA billing portal in real time or within 24 hours of capture.
4.2. Image resolution should be kept reasonable (≤ 1 MB per file) to avoid network congestion.
4.3. HCOs shall maintain a local back-up of the images for a minimum of 90 days for audit purposes.
4. Implementation & Compliance
5.1. The revised guidelines takes effect immediately and will remain in force until further orders.
5.2. Non-compliance will attract action under the CGHS Empanelment Agreement, including withholding of payments and/rejection of claims.
5. This issues with the approval of the competent authority
Digitally signed by
Dr Satheesh Y H
Date: 21-07-2025
09:58:47
[Dr. Satheesh Y.H.]
Director