Private hospitals seek permission to perform surgeries under CMCHIS

According to Health Department sources, cancer and kidney related ailments top the list of beneficiaries coming under the scheme due to continuous treatment and diagnosis. On November 11, the empanelment committee enrolled two private hospitals for general treatment and 12 private hospitals for COVID treatment. There are more than 300 private hospitals empanelled under the scheme, the official said.

During the COVID lockdown period, ACS Medical College in Velapavanchavadi applied for permission from the State to attend to cancer patients under CM health insurance scheme, said senior cancer surgeon at the medical college hospital, Dr N Manickavel.

“With the State and college chairman giving a green signal, we have started attending cancer surgeries at our hospital,” he said. Benign thyroid surgeries have already begun, and a dedicated team is appointed to attend to the patients under the State-run health insurance scheme, professor Manickavel added.

The cost of cancer-related surgeries is relatively high when compared to other procedures. Further, oncology and related surgeries require highly qualified team to attend to the patients. “We are open to cancer patients looking for surgeries, who should get enrolled under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme,” Manickavel added.

At least six hospitals in each district are empanelled under the scheme, while there would be more hospitals in tier-one cities such as Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai. The scheme covers 1,016 procedures, 113 follow-up procedures and 23 diagnostic procedures. The cost of tests required for treatment would also be covered under the insurance scheme.

With more private and corporate hospitals coming up, the scope of the health insurance scheme would penetrate further in Tamil Nadu, added officials.