How to Change CGHS Dispensary (Wellness Centre)

Changing your CGHS dispensary—now officially called a Wellness Centre—is a fairly common requirement. Employees and pensioners often shift houses, retire, or find another centre more convenient due to workload or distance. The good news: CGHS allows you to change your allotted Wellness Centre, and the process is quite straightforward if you know the steps.

This guide explains when you can change, how to apply online, and what happens after the change—in simple terms.

What Is a CGHS Dispensary / Wellness Centre?

Under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), each beneficiary is attached to a specific Wellness Centre. This centre handles:

OPD consultations
Issue of medicines
Referral to empanelled hospitals
Emergency and follow-up care

Your CGHS card clearly mentions the name of the allotted Wellness Centre.

When Can You Change Your CGHS Dispensary?

CGHS does not restrict the number of times you can change your Wellness Centre. Common and accepted reasons include:

Change of residence
Retirement and shift to a new city
Long distance from the existing centre
Overcrowding or convenience

No documentary proof is usually demanded beyond your CGHS details.

How to Change CGHS Dispensary Online (Recommended Method)

The online method is the fastest and preferred option.

Step 1: Visit the CGHS Portal

Go to the official CGHS website and open the Beneficiary Login section.

Step 2: Log In

Beneficiary ID / CGHS Card Number
Registered mobile number (OTP based login)

Step 3: Select “Change Wellness Centre”

After login, look for the option related to:

Change of Dispensary or
Change Wellness Centre

Step 4: Choose the New Wellness Centre

Select your city
Choose the preferred Wellness Centre from the list
Availability depends on your CGHS city and card type.

Step 5: Submit the Request

Verify the details
Submit the application

An acknowledgement number is generated instantly.

What Happens After Submission?

In most cases, the change is approved automatically
The updated Wellness Centre reflects in the system within a few days
No new CGHS card is required—the existing card remains valid
You can start availing services from the new centre once the change is visible online

How to Change CGHS Dispensary Offline (If Needed)

If you are unable to use the online portal, you can apply offline.

Offline Procedure:

Visit your current CGHS Wellness Centre or CGHS office
Submit a written request mentioning:
- CGHS Card Number
- Existing Wellness Centre
- Preferred new Wellness Centre
The request is forwarded for approval

Offline changes may take slightly longer than online requests.

Important Points to Remember

Changing the Wellness Centre does not affect your CGHS eligibility
Medicines issued earlier remain valid
Emergency services can be availed from any CGHS empanelled hospital, regardless of the allotted centre
Always check the updated Wellness Centre name online before visiting

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any fee for changing CGHS dispensary?
No. The change is completely free.

Can pensioners change their Wellness Centre?
Yes. Both serving employees and pensioners can change.

Can I change to any Wellness Centre in the city?
Yes, subject to availability in the CGHS system.

In Short

Changing your CGHS dispensary is a simple online process that takes only a few minutes. If your current Wellness Centre is inconvenient, overcrowded, or far from your residence, it makes practical sense to switch to a nearer one.

For most beneficiaries, the online method is quick, hassle-free, and does not require any follow-up.