Key takeaways
- 249 CGHS-empanelled facilities in 32 cities had no NABH or NABL accreditation in September 2026.
- They include 137 hospitals, 57 eye centres, 30 dental clinics and 25 diagnostic centres.
- Since 13 October 2025, CGHS pays non-NABH hospitals 15% below the NABH base rate, and super-specialty hospitals above 200 beds 15% above it.
- Moving from the non-NABH rate to the NABH base rate raises CGHS package income by about 17.6% for the same cases.
- Hospitals up to 50 beds can take the SHCO route; NABH fees for SHCO are ₹25,000 to apply plus ₹1.5 lakh a year, plus GST.
How many CGHS facilities have no NABH
CGHS panel data compiled in September 2026 lists 249 empanelled facilities in 32 cities with no NABH or NABL accreditation. Another 27 held only NABH entry-level certification.
| Facility type | Without NABH/NABL |
|---|---|
| Hospitals | 137 |
| Eye centres | 57 |
| Dental clinics | 30 |
| Diagnostic centres | 25 |
| Total | 249 |
The largest groups are in the cities with the biggest CGHS panels:
| State | Facilities without NABH/NABL | Of which hospitals |
|---|---|---|
| Telangana (Hyderabad) | 50 | 37 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 45 | 31 |
| Delhi | 40 | 10 |
| Gujarat | 26 | 11 |
| Tamil Nadu | 18 | 11 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 14 | 9 |
| Uttarakhand (Dehradun) | 12 | 8 |
| Bihar (Patna) | 9 | 6 |
| Maharashtra | 8 | 3 |
| Haryana | 7 | 2 |
| Other states | 20 | 9 |
Rajasthan is close to fully accredited: in the CGHS Jaipur empanelment order of 17 August 2026, almost every hospital listed held NABH. There, the work is keeping accreditation current, because several certificates in that order fall due for renewal in 2026; see NABH support in Rajasthan.
How the 15% CGHS rate gap works
CGHS revised its package rates for about 2,000 procedures from 13 October 2025, with a tiered rate card that also reflects city differences:
- NABH-accredited hospitals receive the base rate.
- Non-NABH hospitals receive 15% less.
- Super-specialty hospitals above 200 beds receive 15% more.
So a non-NABH hospital is paid 85% of the base rate. Moving to the base rate raises CGHS package income by about 17.6% for exactly the same cases.
What the gap costs a typical hospital
Illustration, assuming all CGHS billing is at package rates:
| CGHS billing a year at non-NABH rates | Same cases at the NABH base rate | Extra income a year |
|---|---|---|
| ₹25 lakh | ₹29.4 lakh | ₹4.4 lakh |
| ₹50 lakh | ₹58.8 lakh | ₹8.8 lakh |
| ₹85 lakh | ₹1 crore | ₹15 lakh |
Compare that with NABH's own fees for a hospital up to 50 beds under the SHCO programme: ₹25,000 to apply and ₹1.5 lakh a year, plus GST. Our NABH fee guide lists every programme. For most hospitals with steady CGHS volume, accreditation pays for itself within the first year.
Which NABH route fits your facility
| Your facility | Route |
|---|---|
| Hospital or nursing home, up to 50 beds | SHCO accreditation, or entry-level certification as a first step |
| Hospital above 50 beds | 6th Edition hospital accreditation |
| Dental clinic or dental hospital | Dental (DHSP) accreditation or entry-level dental |
| Laboratory | NABL (ISO 15189) or NABH medical laboratory certification |
If you already hold entry-level certification, ask CGHS how your certificate is treated for rates before you plan the upgrade; our comparison of entry-level and full accreditation explains the difference in standards.
A realistic timeline
- Weeks 1–2: gap assessment against the right NABH standard, with a costed action plan.
- Months 1–3: documents, policies, staff training, quality indicators and facility fixes.
- Month 3 onwards: at least three months of implementation records, then the NABH application.
- Assessment: desktop review, on-site assessment and closure of any non-conformities.
Small hospitals that start with a clear gap list usually reach assessment in three to six months. Our step-by-step guide covers each stage.
How to check where you stand
Search your facility in NABH's directory and read your certificate number, validity dates and scope; our guide to verifying NABH status shows how. If your hospital is on the CGHS panel without NABH, or your certificate is due for renewal, ask us for a free gap assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Is NABH accreditation mandatory for CGHS empanelment?
No. Non-NABH hospitals can be empanelled under CGHS, but since 13 October 2025 they are paid 15% less than the NABH base rate for CGHS packages. NABH-accredited hospitals receive the base rate.
How many CGHS hospitals are not NABH accredited?
In CGHS panel data compiled in September 2026, 249 empanelled facilities had no NABH or NABL accreditation: 137 hospitals, 57 eye centres, 30 dental clinics and 25 diagnostic centres across 32 cities. A further 27 held NABH entry-level certification.
How much more does a hospital earn from CGHS after NABH?
Non-NABH hospitals receive 85% of the NABH base rate, so moving to the base rate raises CGHS package income by about 17.6% for the same cases. On ₹85 lakh of annual billing at the non-NABH rate, that is about ₹15 lakh a year.
Which NABH programme should a small CGHS hospital choose?
Hospitals and nursing homes with up to 50 sanctioned beds usually take the SHCO programme or start with entry-level certification; larger hospitals take the 6th Edition hospital standards. Eye centres, dental clinics and laboratories have their own programmes.
How long does NABH take for a hospital that is already on the CGHS panel?
Most small hospitals need three to six months to implement the standards before applying, followed by NABH's desktop and on-site assessment. A focused gap assessment at the start shows exactly what is missing.
Official sources
Fees and rules change. Always confirm on the official page before you apply.
Get a free gap assessment for your facility
Tell us your facility type, bed or chair count and city. Dr. Ashutosh Sharma will tell you which NABH programme fits, what it will cost and how long it will realistically take — before you commit to anything.
Read next
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- CGHS Empanelment Through NABH: Eligibility, Fees, ECE Portal and 2025 RatesCGHS empanelment through NABH's ECE portal: who can apply, bed minimums, lab rules, NABH fees, inspections and the October 2025 rates.
- NABH Accreditation Cost in India (2026): Official Fees for Every ProgrammeNABH fees 2026 for hospitals, SHCO, entry-level, AYUSH, dental, eye, blood centres, imaging, clinics and labs, with GST and first-year examples.
- NABH Entry-Level vs Full Accreditation: Which Should Your Hospital Choose?NABH entry-level vs SHCO vs full accreditation: eligibility, standards, NABH fees, validity, PMJAY incentives and a simple decision guide.
- CGHS empanelmentCGHS empanelment via NABH's ECE portal: eligibility, 50/30 bed minimums, lab and imaging rules, NABH fees, the 2025 rate revision and how we help.
- Small hospitals up to 50 beds (SHCO)NABH SHCO accreditation for hospitals and nursing homes up to 50 beds: 3rd Edition eligibility, 2026 occupancy norms, NABH fees, process and common gaps.