Correspondent
KOHIMA, AUG 20 (NPN): The Nagaland Health Protection Society (NHPS), in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland, organised a one-day media sensitisation programme on Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) and the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima on August 20. The programme, themed “Enhancing Media Awareness and Public Outreach on AB PM-JAY & CMHIS”, aimed to strengthen media engagement in disseminating accurate information about the two flagship health schemes.
In his welcome address, NHPS CEO Thavaseelan K underscored the critical role of the media in ensuring that eligible beneficiaries are well-informed about the schemes. He emphasised that misinformation could prevent families from accessing healthcare benefits, stressing that no eligible beneficiary should miss out due to lack of awareness. He called the media a “powerful partner” in carrying knowledge to communities and reaffirmed NHPS’s commitment to strengthening public awareness.
Deputy CEO Dr. Yingnei Wangnao presented an overview of the schemes, explaining that AB PM-JAY and CMHIS (General) provide Rs. 5 lakh coverage per family annually, while CMHIS (Employees and Pensioners) offers Rs. 20 lakh coverage per family. Government employees are also eligible for reimbursement beyond the insured amount, subject to State Medical Board recommendations. The schemes cover cashless hospitalisation for secondary and tertiary care, including defined day-care procedures and pre- and post-hospitalisation care, though outpatient services and standalone diagnostics are excluded. He noted that beneficiaries opting for higher-end implants or prosthetics must bear additional costs.
Dr. Wangnao highlighted that CMHIS (General) covers over 1,950 medical and surgical packages across 27 specialities, while CMHIS (Employees and Pensioners) provides benefits similar to the Central Government Health Scheme, including room entitlement based on pay grade. He also explained the empanelled hospital networks, urging beneficiaries to verify empanelled hospitals and treatment packages via the official CMHIS portal.
Deputy CEO Livitoli Sukhalu elaborated on beneficiary categories. AB PM-JAY covers families listed under the SECC 2011 and RSBY, along with Building and Construction Workers, amounting to 2,59,468 poor and deprived families in Nagaland. CMHIS (General) covers indigenous and permanent residents not under AB PM-JAY, non-dependent family members of CMHIS (EP) beneficiaries, employees without PIMS numbers, and contractual staff. CMHIS (Employees and Pensioners) applies to government employees, pensioners, legislators, PSU staff, ex-legislators and their dependents. She clarified that AB PM-JAY beneficiaries can avail treatment at empanelled hospitals nationwide, while CMHIS (EP) beneficiaries are restricted to hospitals empanelled under CMHIS (EP).
The programme concluded with an interactive panel discussion featuring NHPS officials including Sukhalu, Operations Manager Alongla Aier, BIS Consultant Neitshope Sekhamo, Monitoring & Evaluation Officer Dr. Imlinenla Longchar and IT Support Manager Seyievito Denny Kin. Media representatives engaged in discussions on strengthening public awareness through responsible reporting.
For assistance, beneficiaries can contact the toll-free helpline 1800 202 3380, email general queries to support-nhps@cmhis.nagaland.gov.in, and grievances to grievances.nhps@cmhis.nagaland.gov.in. Requests to disable PM-JAY/CMHIS cards may be sent to card.support@cmhis.nagaland.gov.in.