Kidney failure is becoming a silent crisis in Chennai. With rising cases of diabetes and hypertension, more and more people are requiring dialysis to stay alive. For families, the cost of regular dialysis can be overwhelming, running into lakhs of rupees annually.
But here’s the good news: under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), many hospitals in Chennai offer dialysis treatment completely free of cost. This guide explains dialysis in simple terms, the types of dialysis available, costs saved through CMCHIS, and the list of CMCHIS-approved dialysis centres in Chennai.
What is Dialysis?
Dialysis is a medical treatment that removes waste, salt, and excess water from the blood when the kidneys can no longer perform this function. Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) often require dialysis several times a week.
Types of Dialysis
| Type of Dialysis | How It Works | Typical Duration | Pros | Cons |
| Hemodialysis | Blood is filtered using a dialysis machine (through a fistula or catheter). | 3–5 hours per session, 2–3 times/week | Done in hospital, effective cleaning | Time-consuming, requires hospital visits |
| Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) | Uses the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) to filter blood. | Continuous, at home using fluid bags | Can be done at home, flexible | Risk of infection, requires training |
Dialysis in Chennai – The Burden
- Diabetes prevalence in Chennai: ~22% adults (ICMR-INDIAB study). Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure.
- Hypertension: ~30% adults in Tamil Nadu have high BP → another major reason for kidney disease.
- Estimated 6,000+ patients in Chennai require regular dialysis.
- TANKER Foundation alone provides over 2,500 free dialysis sessions per month in Chennai and nearby areas.
This shows how critical dialysis centres are in the city.
Cost of Dialysis in Chennai (With & Without CMCHIS)
| Treatment Type | Private Hospital Cost (Chennai) | Annual Cost (3 sessions/week) | Covered Under CMCHIS? |
| Hemodialysis | ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 per session | ₹3.5 – ₹5 lakh | Yes (up to 90 sessions per year) |
| Peritoneal Dialysis | ~₹20,000/month (supplies) | ₹2.5 lakh | Yes (limited coverage) |
| Government Hospital Dialysis | Free/Nominal | <₹10,000 annually | Yes |
With CMCHIS, families in Chennai save 3–5 lakh per year, making treatment accessible to the poor and middle class.
CMCHIS-Approved Dialysis Centres in Chennai
Here’s a list of some key hospitals in Chennai offering free dialysis treatment under CMCHIS:
- Government Stanley Medical College Hospital, Royapuram – One of the largest dialysis units in Tamil Nadu.
- Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Park Town – High-capacity government dialysis centre.
- TANKER Foundation Dialysis Units, Nungambakkam & Ambattur – NGO-run, empanelled under CMCHIS, providing free dialysis sessions.
- VS Hospitals India Pvt Ltd, Kilpauk – Private hospital approved under CMCHIS for nephrology care.
- Vasantha Subramanian Hospital Pvt Ltd, Vadapalani – Offers nephrology and dialysis care under the scheme.
- Parvathy Ortho Hospital, Chrompet – Known for multi-specialty CMCHIS coverage, including dialysis.
(Data verified from official CMCHIS empanelled hospital lists.)
How to Access Free Dialysis in Chennai Through CMCHIS
- Check your eligibility – CMCHIS covers families earning less than ₹1.2 lakh annually (income certificate required).
- Carry CMCHIS smart card – Patients must show their health insurance card at the hospital desk.
- Register at an empanelled hospital – Either government or private CMCHIS hospitals in Chennai.
- Dialysis scheduling – Patients are allotted regular dialysis slots.
- Follow-up & renewals – If more than 90 sessions are needed, the treating nephrologist can request special approval.
Why Chennai Patients Benefit the Most from CMCHIS
- Chennai has the highest concentration of dialysis centres in Tamil Nadu.
- Both government & private hospitals are actively empanelled.
- Several NGOs like TANKER Foundation collaborate with CMCHIS to extend free treatment.
- Patients save lakhs of rupees annually, reducing financial stress for families.
Read Cancer Treatment Hospitals in Chennai under CMCHIS (2025) – Free Health Insurance
Patient-Centric Tips for Dialysis in Chennai
- Diet in Chennai’s hot weather: Restrict fluid intake despite the heat; avoid salted buttermilk, pickles, and fried foods.
- Check for infection risks in coastal Chennai – humid conditions may increase peritoneal dialysis infections.
- Manage diabetes early – since Chennai is India’s diabetes capital.
- Explore nearby centres – Patients in Tambaram, Ambattur, and Chrompet can access both government and private CMCHIS hospitals.
Final Word
Dialysis is a lifesaving but expensive treatment. In Chennai, where kidney failure cases are rising due to diabetes and hypertension, CMCHIS provides a safety net by making dialysis available free of cost at both government and private hospitals.
For patients and families, this means not just survival but also freedom from crushing financial stress. If you or a loved one requires dialysis, check your CMCHIS eligibility and visit an empanelled hospital in Chennai today.
FAQs – Dialysis in Chennai under CMCHIS
1. Is dialysis free in Chennai?
Yes, under CMCHIS, eligible patients can get up to 90 free dialysis sessions per year in empanelled hospitals.
2. Which is the best government hospital for dialysis in Chennai?
Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital and Stanley Hospital are the largest providers.
3. Does CMCHIS cover kidney transplant in Chennai?
Yes, select hospitals like Madras Medical College and Apollo Hospitals offer transplant packages under CMCHIS.
4. Can I do dialysis in a private hospital under CMCHIS?
Yes, private hospitals like VS Hospitals and Vasantha Subramanian Hospital are empanelled under the scheme.
5. What documents are needed?
CMCHIS smart card, Aadhaar, and medical recommendation from a nephrologist.
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