Chennai — In a significant milestone for public healthcare in Tamil Nadu, the state government has announced that more than 81.33 lakh people have received medical benefits under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS). Launched to provide financial protection and accessible treatment to economically weaker sections, the scheme has become a crucial pillar of the state’s welfare framework.
According to official figures, the government has disbursed ₹5,878.85 crore in claims through the scheme. Notably, over 25.80 lakh beneficiaries were treated in government hospitals alone, accounting for ₹2,750.28 crore of the total amount spent.
Making Healthcare Truly Inclusive
CMCHIS provides cashless treatment coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, across more than 1,800 hospitals — including 853 government and over 960 private hospitals. It covers a wide range of over 1,500 procedures, including surgeries, diagnostics, and advanced treatments like cardiac care, dialysis, and cancer therapy.
Health Minister Ma. Subramanian stated that the scheme has transformed access to quality medical care for underprivileged families across urban and rural areas. “We are committed to building a strong healthcare safety net that ensures no one is denied treatment because they can’t afford it,” he said.
Emergency Services That Save Lives
The success of CMCHIS is closely supported by Tamil Nadu’s robust emergency healthcare system. The 108 ambulance service — available free of charge — has helped over 79.85 lakh people reach hospitals safely during medical emergencies. This includes nearly 19 lakh pregnant women and 14 lakh road accident victims who were transported to care facilities in time.
Each ambulance is staffed with trained emergency medical technicians and equipped with life-saving equipment, helping reduce maternal deaths and trauma-related fatalities.
A Boost for Geriatric and Rural Healthcare
Going a step further in inclusive care, the state recently inaugurated the National Centre for Ageing in Chennai, built at a cost of ₹151 crore. It is the second such facility in India and is aimed at providing specialized care for the elderly, who often struggle to access consistent treatment.
To strengthen healthcare at the grassroots level, the government has been upgrading diagnostic facilities in district hospitals — including the installation of CT, MRI, and dialysis machines, ensuring that rural and semi-urban populations don’t have to travel far for advanced testing.
Financial Commitment & National Integration
From January 2024 to January 2025 alone, Tamil Nadu paid ₹1,228 crore in premiums to United India Insurance, the implementing agency for CMCHIS. The scheme is also integrated with the national Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY, enabling beneficiaries to seek treatment in empaneled hospitals across the country — not just in Tamil Nadu.
The state has also raised the annual income limit for eligibility to ₹1.2 lakh and increased the insurance coverage from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh to accommodate more families and critical procedures.
Moving Ahead
The government is now focusing on expanding public awareness so more eligible people can enroll. Special campaigns are being planned to reach remote areas where knowledge about the scheme remains limited.
With its emphasis on affordability, accessibility, and dignity in healthcare, Tamil Nadu’s CMCHIS continues to be a model for other states. As it crosses the 81 lakh beneficiary mark, the scheme reaffirms the idea that healthcare is not a privilege but a right — and that strong governance can make it a reality.
