Indian Railways has traditionally followed a restrictive definition of dependency under its medical system, whereby a father is generally not considered a dependent family member even if he has no independent source of income, and a mother is also excluded from dependency status when the father is alive. This differs from schemes such as CGHS and ECHS, where parents can be treated as dependents subject to an income ceiling of ₹9,000 per month plus applicable Dearness Relief (DR/DA).
To address the healthcare needs of such excluded family members, the Railway Board, through its HMIS (Hospital Management Information System) Digital Process Flow & FAQs issued on 30 April 2026, has introduced a new facility allowing non-dependent parents, attendants, servants, and other non-dependent relatives temporarily staying with a Railway employee or pensioner to avail treatment, medicines, and hospitalization at Railway Hospitals and Health Units as private patients on payment of prescribed charges through the HMIS platform. This provides a much-needed healthcare access mechanism for elderly parents who are otherwise not covered under regular Railway medical entitlements.
This is a major relief for Railway employees and pensioners whose elderly parents or visiting family members require medical attention while staying with them.
What is the New Railway Hospital Facility?
As per the provisions highlighted in the Railway Board’s HMIS guidelines and the Indian Railway Medical Manual:
Servants, attendants, or non-dependents temporarily staying with a Railway employee or pensioner and requiring medical attention can avail treatment, medicines, and healthcare services in Railway Hospitals (RH) or Health Units (HU) as private patients.
The facility is linked with the UMID Card and HMIS App and operates on a payment basis.
Who Can Avail This Facility?
The following categories may be covered if they are temporarily residing with a Railway employee or pensioner:
1. Father and Mother
Parents who are not declared as dependent family members can receive treatment under this provision.
2. Married Children
Married sons or daughters who are not eligible Railway beneficiaries but are temporarily staying with the employee or pensioner.
3. Servants and Attendants
Domestic helpers, caregivers, or attendants accompanying the family.
4. Other Non-Dependent Relatives
Any non-dependent relative requiring medical attention while temporarily staying with the Railway beneficiary.
Where Can Treatment Be Availed?
Treatment will be available only in:
- Railway Hospitals (RH)
- Railway Health Units (HU)
However, there is an important restriction.
Jurisdiction Limitation
Treatment of non-dependents will be limited to:
The Railway Hospital or Health Unit under whose jurisdiction the Railway employee or pensioner resides.
Therefore, treatment cannot be sought from any Railway Hospital across India merely on the basis of temporary stay.
How Will the HMIS Process Work?
The entire process has been digitized through HMIS.
Step 1: Login by Primary UMID Card Holder
The Railway employee or pensioner (Primary UMID Card holder) must:
- Login into the HMIS App.
- Enter details of the non-dependent patient.
- Generate the treatment request.
Step 2: Registration of Non-Dependent Patient
The following information may be required:
- Name of patient
- Relationship with employee/pensioner
- Aadhaar Number
- Other identification details
An initial registration fee will be paid online through HMIS.
Step 3: OTP-Based Authentication
The HMIS system will generate transaction records containing:
- Name of patient
- Relationship details
- Aadhaar information
- Primary UMID Card holder details
- OTP-based confirmation
This ensures transparency and prevents misuse.
Step 4: Treatment as Private Patient
The patient will receive:
- OPD consultation
- Diagnostic services
- Medicines
- Hospital admission (if required)
as a private patient.
What Charges Will Be Applicable?
Treatment will not be free for non-dependents.
The Railway Board has specified that charges will be recovered based on:
CGHS Rates
Where available, charges will be levied according to:
- City-specific CGHS rates
Railway Prescribed Rates
In places where CGHS rates are not available :
- Railway-prescribed rates will be applicable.
To get the CGHS Rate applicable for various treatment/diagnostic process , click here
Payment of Hospital Bills
The HMIS system will generate bills for:
- Consultation charges
- Admission charges
- Investigation charges
- Medicines
- Diet charges
- Any other hospital expenses
The amount must be paid through the digital payment mechanism available in the HMIS application.
Benefits of the New System
1. Relief for Senior Citizen Parents
Many Railway pensioners have elderly parents living with them temporarily/permanently. They can now obtain medical treatment conveniently from Railway medical facilities.
2. Fully Digital Process
The entire workflow is integrated into HMIS:
- Registration
- Authentication
- Billing
- Payment
- Record maintenance
3. Transparency
OTP verification and Aadhaar-based details ensure proper identification of beneficiaries.
4. Better Utilization of Railway Medical Infrastructure
Vacant capacities in Railway Hospitals can be utilized efficiently while generating revenue through user charges.
Important Conditions to Remember
Before seeking treatment for non-dependent parents or relatives, note the following:
Treatment is available only as a private patient.
Charges are payable.
Registration must be done through the HMIS App.
OTP verification is mandatory.
Treatment is restricted to the jurisdiction of the employee’s/pensioner’s Railway Hospital or Health Unit.
All transactions will be reflected in the HMIS profile of the Primary UMID Card holder.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can a non-dependent father receive treatment in a Railway Hospital?
Yes. A non-dependent father temporarily staying with a Railway employee or pensioner can receive treatment as a private patient after HMIS registration and payment of prescribed charges.
Q2. Can a non-dependent mother obtain medicines from Railway Hospitals?
Yes, medicines may be provided under the private patient category subject to payment of applicable charges.
Q3. Is treatment free for non-dependent parents?
No. Treatment is chargeable and based on CGHS or Railway-prescribed rates.
Q4. Is UMID Card mandatory?
The Primary UMID Card holder must initiate the process through the HMIS system. The treatment request is linked with the UMID account.
Q5. Can treatment be taken in any Railway Hospital?
No. Treatment is restricted to the Railway Hospital or Health Unit having jurisdiction over the employee’s or pensioner’s place of residence.
Q6. Can attendants or servants also be treated?
Yes. The Railway Medical Manual provision specifically includes servants and attendants who are temporarily staying with the Railway beneficiary and require medical attention.
Conclusion
The Railway Board’s HMIS Digital Process Flow 2026 has introduced a welcome facility allowing non-dependent parents, relatives, attendants, and servants to receive treatment in Railway Hospitals and Health Units as private patients. While the treatment is chargeable and subject to HMIS registration, the initiative provides a practical healthcare solution for families of Railway employees and pensioners, especially for elderly parents who may require immediate medical care during their stay with them. This digital, transparent, and structured mechanism is expected to improve access to healthcare while ensuring proper accountability through the HMIS platform.