What is a Specialty Hospital?
A single-specialty hospital is a healthcare facility that focuses on one specific area of medicine or surgery. Unlike multi-speciality hospitals that offer treatment across various departments, single-speciality hospitals concentrate their resources, expertise, and technology on one medical field—such as ophthalmology (eye care), oncology (cancer treatment), orthopaedics, ENT, fertility, or paediatrics. This specialisation often leads to higher success rates, advanced equipment, and expert doctors in that particular area.
Under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), many of Chennai’s top single-speciality hospitals offer completely cashless treatment for eligible patients, covering procedures that might otherwise cost lakhs of rupees.
Chennai – A Healthcare Hub of India
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is home to over 71 lakh people (Census 2011, projected to exceed 80 lakh by 2025) and is widely known as the “Health Capital of India”. Every year, lakhs of people from across Tamil Nadu, other states, and even abroad travel here for specialised medical treatments.
With a robust network of government and private hospitals, advanced infrastructure, and some of the best doctors in the country, Chennai’s healthcare sector is a lifeline for the region. The city has excelled in areas like cardiac care, oncology, eye care, fertility treatments, orthopaedics, ENT, and paediatric medicine.
The CMCHIS has partnered with leading single-speciality hospitals in Chennai, ensuring that even low-income families can access world-class healthcare without worrying about hospital bills.
List of CMCHIS-Approved Single Speciality Hospitals in Chennai
| Hospital Name | Speciality | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo Children’s Hospital | Paediatrics | No. 15, Shafee Mohammed Road, Thousand Lights, Chennai – 600006 |
| Cancer Institute (WIA) Adyar | Oncology | 38, Sardar Patel Road, Adyar, Chennai – 600020 |
| Dr. Agarwal Eye Hospital | Ophthalmology | No. 13, Cathedral Road, Gopalapuram, Chennai – 600086 |
| KKR ENT Hospital and Research Institute | ENT | No. 274, Poonamallee High Road, Kilpauk, Chennai – 600010 |
| M N Eye Hospital | Ophthalmology | No. 30, College Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai – 600006 |
| Sankara Nethralaya (Medical Research Foundation) | Ophthalmology | No. 41, College Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai – 600006 |
| Radhatri Nethralaya | Ophthalmology | No. 14, Bharathi Street, T. Nagar, Chennai – 600017 |
| Dr. Rai Memorial Cancer Institute | Oncology | 562, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai – 600018 |
| Thalassemia Welfare Hospital | Haematology | No. 4, Rukmani Lakshmipathi Road, Egmore, Chennai – 600008 |
| Vasantha Subramanian Hospital Pvt Ltd | Multi-speciality (CMCHIS S1) | No. 72, West Circular Road, Mandaveli, Chennai – 600028 |
| Parvathy Ortho Hospital Pvt Ltd | Orthopaedics | No. 241, GST Road, Chromepet, Chennai – 600044 |
| Vee Care Eye Hospital | Ophthalmology | No. 14, Vellalar Street, Mogappair East, Chennai – 600037 |
| Egmore Eye Hospital (Govt.) | Ophthalmology | No. 1, Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai – 600008 |
| Shri Gangadhareshwarar Health Services | Multi-speciality (CMCHIS S1) | No. 48, New Avadi Road, Kilpauk, Chennai – 600010 |
| Namar Heart Hospital | Cardiology | No. 30, Avvai Shanmugam Salai, Royapettah, Chennai – 600014 |
| Chennai Breast Centre | Oncology (Breast) | No. 6, Murrays Gate Road, Alwarpet, Chennai – 600018 |
| Iswarya Fertility, Adyar | Fertility & Maternity | No. 1A, 1st Main Road, Kasturba Nagar, Adyar, Chennai – 600020 |
| Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Guindy | Paediatrics | 531, Anna Salai, Guindy, Chennai – 600032 |
| FIRM Hospitals | Fertility & Maternity | No. 1, 9th Main Road, Vijaya Nagar, Velachery, Chennai – 600042 |
| Madras ENT Research Foundation | ENT | No. 1, 1st Cross Street, Off 2nd Main Road, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai – 600028 |
| TANKER Foundation | Nephrology (Dialysis) | No. 6, 1st Cross Street, CIT Colony, Mylapore, Chennai – 600004 |
Speciality-Wise Overview of CMCHIS Hospitals in Chennai
1. Ophthalmology (Eye Care)
Chennai is a central hub for advanced eye care in India. With hospitals like Sankara Nethralaya, Dr. Agarwal Eye Hospital, and Egmore Eye Hospital, CMCHIS patients can access free cataract surgeries, glaucoma treatment, retinal surgeries, and corneal transplants.
2. Oncology (Cancer Care)
Cancer treatment can cost lakhs, but CMCHIS empanelled facilities like Cancer Institute Adyar and Dr. Rai Memorial Cancer Institute provide chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology free of cost for eligible patients.
3. ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat)
Specialised ENT hospitals like KKR ENT Hospital and Madras ENT Research Foundation offer advanced ear microsurgeries, sinus surgeries, cochlear implants, and voice disorder treatments under CMCHIS.
4. Orthopaedics
Parvathy Ortho Hospital is among the top orthopaedic centres in Chennai, offering free joint replacements, spine surgeries, fracture care, and arthroscopy under the scheme.
5. Paediatrics
Apollo Children’s Hospital and Rainbow Children’s Hospital provide free paediatric surgeries, intensive care, and neonatal treatments for CMCHIS beneficiaries.
6. Fertility & Maternity Care
Iswarya Fertility and FIRM Hospitals offer infertility treatments, deliveries, and gynaecological surgeries under the scheme.
7. Nephrology
TANKER Foundation provides free dialysis sessions for chronic kidney disease patients.
FAQs on CMCHIS Single Speciality Hospitals in Chennai
Q1. What is a Single Speciality Hospital under CMCHIS?
A hospital that focuses on one field of medicine and is empanelled under CMCHIS to provide free treatment in that speciality.
Q2. Are these hospitals free for all?
No, only eligible CMCHIS cardholders get free treatment.
Q3. Who is eligible for CMCHIS?
Families with annual income ≤ ₹1,20,000 and other specific categories.
Q4. How to apply for CMCHIS in Chennai?
You can apply at e-Sevai centres with required documents.
Q5. What documents are needed?
Ration card, Aadhaar card, income certificate, and photograph.
Q6. Do private hospitals in Chennai really provide free treatment?
Yes, if they are CMCHIS empanelled and you are eligible.
Q7. Is Apollo Children’s Hospital covered?
Yes, under CMCHIS paediatric category.
Q8. Are cancer surgeries covered?
Yes, fully covered at empanelled oncology hospitals.
Q9. Is fertility treatment free?
Some infertility treatments and deliveries are covered.
Q10. Can I get eye surgery free?
Yes, cataract and specific advanced procedures are covered.
Q11. How to check if a hospital is empanelled?
Check the CMCHIS official website or ask at the hospital desk.
Q12. Is heart surgery covered?
Yes, at hospitals like Namar Heart Hospital.
Q13. Do I need a referral?
Not always, but some procedures require one from a government doctor.
Q14. Are foreign nationals eligible?
No, only Tamil Nadu residents.
Q15. How many single speciality hospitals are in Chennai under CMCHIS?
Over 20 across various fields.
Q16. Is dialysis covered?
Yes, at centres like TANKER Foundation.
Q17. Are cochlear implants free?
Yes, at empanelled ENT hospitals.
Q18. Is bone fracture treatment covered?
Yes, including surgery if required.
Q19. Can I choose any hospital?
Yes, as long as it is empanelled under CMCHIS.
Q20. How long does approval take?
Most approvals are instant through hospital CMCHIS desks.
Q21. Is robotic surgery covered?
Some high-end procedures are included.
Q22. Are medicines free too?
Yes, during hospitalisation.
Q23. Can I get treatment in multiple hospitals?
Yes, depending on your needs.
Q24. Is there an age limit?
No, CMCHIS covers all age groups.
Q25. Where can I get more details?
Visit the CMCHIS website or the hospital help desk.
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