Caption: Sikkim delegation along with Y Kikheto Sema during a courtesy visit at Civil Secretariat in Kohima on August 31. (DIPR Photo)
Nagaland's CMHIS records Rs 252 cr payout in 4 years
Kohima, August 31 (MExN): A high-level delegation from Sikkim paid a courtesy call on Nagaland Development Commissioner Y Kikheto Sema at his office chamber in the Civil Secretariat in Kohima on August 31, as part of a two-day visit to study the implementation of the Nagaland Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS).
The visiting delegation included Karma N Bhutia, Secretary to the Chief Minister of Sikkim; Depen Sharma, Special Secretary, Chief Minister’s Office; Dr Subash Tamang, Chief Medical Officer to the Chief Minister; and Tenzing Chopel Bhutia, Staff Officer to the Chief Medical Officer.
Interacting with the team, Sema detailed the evolution of the CMHIS from the initial rollout of the Central Government Health Insurance Scheme. He noted that the initiative encountered multiple hurdles in its initial phase, such as limited hospital empanelment and inadequate reimbursement rates. The Nagaland government subsequently restructured the mechanism, enhanced reimbursement tariffs, and broadened the empanelled hospital network.
Sema said more than 70 healthcare facilities across the country are currently empanelled under the scheme, covering prominent hospitals frequently visited by patients from Nagaland in cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati, alongside state-based government and private medical centres.
According to the Development Commissioner, approximately 64,000 beneficiaries have been enrolled under the CMHIS, with payouts totalling around Rs 252 crore disbursed towards treatments over a span of nearly four years.
He highlighted that a substantial number of Nagaland residents not covered under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) have been brought under the CMHIS umbrella. The convergence of both schemes has served as a crucial intervention to secure cashless healthcare access across the state.
Touching upon the state's broader developmental landscape, Sema remarked that Nagaland has recorded steady progress since statehood despite enduring challenges and unrest, while emphasising that significant work remains to be undertaken across key sectors, notably health, roads, agriculture, and allied domains.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Sikkim CMO Secretary Karma N Bhutia expressed gratitude for the opportunity to examine Nagaland’s health insurance architecture, terming the visit a valuable learning experience driven by the sustained efforts of Nagaland's administrators and citizens.
Bhutia stated that Sikkim is eager to adopt insights from Nagaland’s experience, particularly regarding the delivery of cashless medical care that transcends geographical boundaries. He acknowledged that while Nagaland faced initial operational bottlenecks concerning empanelment, reimbursement procedures, and delivery, it has built a resilient model for other states to emulate.
He recalled that the move to study the Nagaland model stemmed from discussions with the Development Commissioner during a NITI Aayog meeting on June 12, 2026, where Nagaland’s milestones in health insurance and other domains were presented. Following those discussions, the Sikkim leadership directed officials to undertake a study visit to assess CMHIS on the ground.
Expressing appreciation for Nagaland’s universal health coverage and cashless mechanisms, Bhutia said the CMHIS framework generated keen interest due to its seamless coverage at empanelled centres both within and outside the state.
Bhutia confirmed that Sikkim intends to replicate the Nagaland model and sought technical guidance alongside sustained inter-state cooperation.
During the remainder of the tour, the Sikkim delegation is scheduled to conduct detailed deliberations with the Planning and Health departments, among other relevant agencies, and visit designated institutions and healthcare facilities to assess the CMHIS and related development programmes.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, sharing best practices, and advancing mutual governance learning between Nagaland and Sikkim.
