₹25 Lakh CMCHIS Insurance Coverage to Be Implemented Soon, Says Minister

Health Minister K.G. Arunraj on Wednesday announced at Madras Medical College that the recently announced increase in health insurance coverage under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh will be implemented soon. Beneficiaries will not require new insurance cards and can continue using their existing cards.

Speaking after inaugurating two renovated lecture halls at Madras Medical College, executed at a cost of ₹1.50 crore, Dr. Arunraj explained that raising the coverage limit does not mean insurance premiums will jump five-fold. He noted that the proportion of families requiring advanced treatment and filing high-value claims is expected to be smaller, and confirmed that necessary funds will be allocated for the expansion.

The Minister also stated that in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) centres will be expanded across more district government hospitals. The expansion was previously announced in the state budget and the work is progressing rapidly. He added that the reported shortage of chemotherapy drugs would be reviewed and addressed with appropriate action.

Addressing seasonal health issues, Dr. Arunraj urged the public not to fear H1N1 influenza or dengue. Last year, higher numbers of cases were reported between January and April, whereas this year infections were recorded between May and July. He attributed the rise in reported cases partly to the increased volume of fever tests being conducted, assuring that government hospitals have taken all necessary precautionary measures.

Because of the monsoon season, the Minister advised the public to prevent water stagnation around residences to stop the breeding of day-biting Aedes mosquitoes that transmit dengue. Fever camps will be organised for school students, and anyone experiencing fever accompanied by headache, vomiting, or severe body pain should promptly seek medical care at the nearest government hospital or primary health centre.

The newly opened lecture halls at Madras Medical College were modernised to enhance medical education, with one hall renovated through Rotary Club support and the other via government funds. The upgraded facilities feature acoustic panelling and digital LED panel projection systems to support clinical discussions, medical imaging, and presentations.