A family member gets seriously ill. Liver problem. Heart condition. Something that needs a private hospital, real beds, and a specialist. The family has a government health card - either CMHT or PMJAY - but nobody at home really knows what it covers, which hospitals will accept it, or how to actually present it at the counter without getting turned away or asked to pay upfront.
This happens all the time in Manipur. Families sit outside hospital admission desks completely lost, or worse, end up paying out of pocket for treatment that their card would have covered entirely. The card exists. The benefit exists. But nobody explained how to use it.
This post is for the younger family member - the one holding the phone right now - who is trying to figure this out for their parents, their grandparents, or a relative who cannot navigate it alone. Everything here is specific to Manipur.
CMHT and PMJAY: What Is the Actual Difference
Most people in Manipur know these are two different schemes, but the practical difference is not always clear. Here it is, plainly:
| Factor | CMHT | PMJAY |
|---|---|---|
| Run by | Government of Manipur | Government of India (Central) |
| Cover amount | Up to ₹2 lakh per family/year | Up to ₹5 lakh per family/year |
| General illness limit | ₹50,000 | Covered within ₹5 lakh |
| Critical illness limit | ₹2 lakh (7 diseases) | ₹5 lakh (1,900+ procedures) |
| Who qualifies | SECC, AAY, widows, disabled | SECC 2011 database families |
| Outside Manipur | Narayana Hospital, Guwahati | All empanelled hospitals across India |
| Card fee | ₹50 per family (free for AAY/widow/disabled) | Free |
The most important takeaway: PMJAY gives 2.5 times more coverage than CMHT for the same types of conditions. Both schemes share the same eligibility base - if your family was identified under SECC 2011 data, you are potentially eligible for PMJAY. Many families in Manipur currently hold a CMHT card and are actively trying to convert or upgrade to PMJAY precisely because of this coverage difference. If your family is in this situation, that process is explained later in this post.
What Conditions Are Actually Covered
Both CMHT and PMJAY focus on serious, hospitalization-requiring conditions. Neither scheme covers regular OPD consultations or pharmacy purchases outside of hospital admission. The seven critical diseases specifically covered under both schemes are:
- Cardiovascular diseases (heart conditions)
- Kidney ailments (including dialysis)
- Neurological disorders (brain, nerve)
- Liver diseases (cirrhosis, hepatitis complications, liver failure)
- Cancer
- Burns
- Neo-natal disorders (newborns requiring intensive care)
Under PMJAY, the scope extends to over 1,900 medical and surgical procedures, covering everything from orthopedic surgeries to gynecology, urology, and oncology. The card is significantly more comprehensive than most families realise.
Important: Both schemes apply only to hospitalization. If your relative needs a regular doctor consultation or medicines from a pharmacy, the card will not cover that. The benefits begin when the patient is admitted to an empanelled hospital for treatment.
Which Private Hospitals in Manipur Accept CMHT and PMJAY
This is the question most families struggle with. The full empanelled list includes 25 hospitals across Manipur - 17 government and 8 private. Below are the confirmed private hospitals where your card is accepted:
Shija Hospitals and Research Institute
Langol, Imphal West
The largest private hospital in Manipur. Has processed over 84,000 cases under CMHT and over 52,000 under PMJAY - by far the most active private scheme hospital in the state. Covers 24 specialties including cardiology, oncology, neurology, orthopedics, and gynecology. First stop for serious cases in Imphal.
Raj Medicity
North AOC, Imphal West
Multi-speciality hospital recognised by the National Health Authority for top performance under PMJAY. Covers general medicine, orthopedics, urology, nephrology, obstetrics and gynecology, surgical oncology, and burns. Has an Ayushman Mitra desk for scheme assistance. Patients from Lamphelpat, Sagolband, Langjing, and Patsoi areas regularly use this hospital.
Sky Hospital and Research Centre
Imphal West
Known primarily as Imphal's leading cardiac hospital. If the family member has a heart condition, Sky Hospital is the main PMJAY-empanelled private option for cardiology in Imphal.
Jivan Hospital
Thoubal-Kakching District
The key private hospital option for families in Thoubal, Kakching, and surrounding areas. Eligible patients from these districts do not need to travel to Imphal for PMJAY-covered treatment.
Babina Specialty Hospital
Imphal
Empanelled for cancer treatment services under PMJAY. Most Imphal residents know Babina through its chain of diagnostic labs, but Babina also operates a specialty hospital that accepts PMJAY for cancer-related treatment.
Lamjingba Hospital and Medical Research Institute
Manipur
PMJAY empanelled. Check with the hospital directly for current specialties and availability.
Yaima Eye Hospital and Research Centre
Manipur
Specialist eye hospital empanelled under PMJAY. For families dealing with serious eye conditions requiring surgical intervention.
Government Hospitals and CHCs Across Manipur Districts
Every district hospital in Manipur is covered under both schemes. Families outside Imphal do not need to travel to the city for initial care - your local district hospital is a valid starting point.
| District | Facility |
|---|---|
| Imphal West | RIMS Hospital (Lamphelpat), UHC Singjamei, CHC Wangoi, Sekmai, Sagolmang |
| Imphal East | JNIMS Hospital (Porompat), CHC Haoreibi, Heirok, Yairipok |
| Bishnupur | Bishnupur District Hospital, CHC Moirang, Nambol, Chakpikarong |
| Thoubal | Thoubal District Hospital, CHC Kakching, Nungba |
| Churachandpur | Churachandpur District Hospital, CHC Saikul, Parbung |
| Ukhrul | Ukhrul District Hospital, PHC Maram, CHC Kamjong |
| Senapati | Senapati District Hospital, CHC Mao, Kangpokpi |
| Chandel | Chandel District Hospital, Moreh Hospital |
For conditions beyond what your district hospital can handle, they will issue a referral to RIMS, JNIMS, or an empanelled private hospital. The scheme covers referred treatment at higher facilities. Do not skip the district hospital step for CMHT - private hospital access under CMHT specifically requires a referral from the State Nodal Cell (SNC). PMJAY is more flexible on this.
How to Actually Use the Card When You Reach the Hospital
This is where most families get stuck. The process is straightforward once you know it, but nobody explains it clearly at the entrance.
Find the Ayushman Mitra desk
Every empanelled hospital is required to have an Ayushman Mitra desk - usually near the OPD counter or the main admission area. This is the person who handles all PMJAY and CMHT admissions. Do not go to the general reception and wait. Ask specifically for the Ayushman Mitra or the CMHT desk the moment you arrive.
Bring the right documents
You need the CMHT or PMJAY card (digital on phone is fine), Aadhaar card of the patient, and a valid photo ID. The Ayushman Mitra will use these to verify identity through the official portal using biometric verification or OTP on the registered mobile number.
Eligibility check happens at the desk
The hospital verifies your eligibility on the spot through the government portal. If your family is in the SECC database or holds a valid CMHT/PMJAY card, this takes a few minutes. For planned admissions, pre-authorisation for surgery is usually approved within 1 to 3 hours.
Pay nothing for covered treatment
Once admitted under the scheme, the hospital bills the government directly. Room charges, medicines, diagnostics, surgery, and 15-day post-hospitalisation follow-up are all covered up to the scheme limit. If any staff asks you to pay for something that should be covered, escalate to the Ayushman Mitra or call the helpline: 1800-103-2015.
Save discharge papers and treatment records
When the patient is discharged, collect the full discharge summary. The treatment is recorded in the government portal and may be needed for future claims or follow-up visits under the scheme. Do not leave without these documents.
How to Check if Your Family Qualifies for PMJAY (and Upgrade from CMHT)
If your family currently holds a CMHT card and wants to access the higher ₹5 lakh PMJAY coverage, the first step is checking whether your family appears in the SECC 2011 database, which is the eligibility list for PMJAY.
Check eligibility online at beneficiary.nha.gov.in using the registered mobile number or Aadhaar number. If the family appears in the database, you can enroll for PMJAY.
Enrollment for PMJAY in Manipur happens at RIMS, JNIMS, and all district hospitals. Walk into the hospital, go to the CMHT/PMJAY counter, carry Aadhaar cards for all family members, and the voter ID or ration card. ASHA workers in rural areas and CHC-level staff also assist with this process. The card itself is free for PMJAY.
Not every CMHT holder will automatically qualify for PMJAY - it depends on whether your family is in the SECC 2011 central database. Those not found in the database remain on CMHT. The state government also runs enrollment camps across districts; watch for announcements through local ASHA workers or the district health office.
Treatment Outside Manipur
PMJAY is valid at empanelled hospitals across all of India, which gives families significant flexibility for specialised treatment not available locally. For serious conditions requiring care in Guwahati, Delhi, Kolkata, or Chennai, a PMJAY card means you can access cashless treatment at any empanelled hospital in those cities.
For CMHT specifically, outside-state treatment is currently linked to Narayana Super Specialty Hospital in Guwahati as the primary referred option. Travel allowance for outside-state treatment is included within the scheme limits.
To find an empanelled hospital anywhere in India: hospitals.pmjay.gov.in - filter by state, district, and specialty.
Common Questions About CMHT and PMJAY in Manipur
Can I use my CMHT card at Shija or Raj Medicity directly?
For CMHT, private hospital access requires a referral approved by the State Nodal Cell (SNC). You typically start at a government hospital or CHC, get referred, and then the SNC approves the private admission. For PMJAY, direct walk-in to any empanelled private hospital is more straightforward — present your card and Aadhaar at the Ayushman Mitra desk.
My relative has liver disease. Is that covered?
Yes. Liver diseases are one of the seven critical conditions explicitly covered under both CMHT and PMJAY. This includes cirrhosis, liver failure, and complications requiring hospitalization. The full treatment cost up to the scheme limit is covered at any empanelled hospital.
I have a CMHT card. How do I know if I qualify for PMJAY?
Check at beneficiary.nha.gov.in using your Aadhaar number or registered mobile. If your family is listed in the SECC 2011 database, you qualify for PMJAY. Enrollment happens at RIMS, JNIMS, or your nearest district hospital. Carry Aadhaar cards for all family members.
Which hospital should I go to in Imphal for PMJAY treatment?
For serious medical conditions, Shija Hospitals has the most experience with PMJAY in Manipur, having processed the highest number of cases under the scheme. For cardiac conditions, Sky Hospital is the specialist option. For general multi-speciality care, Raj Medicity is another strong choice. All three are in Imphal West.
Can I use the PMJAY card outside Manipur?
Yes. PMJAY is valid at any empanelled hospital across India. Search the hospital list at hospitals.pmjay.gov.in before traveling. For CMHT, outside-state treatment is primarily available at Narayana Super Specialty Hospital in Guwahati with a referral.
What if the hospital asks me to pay even though I have a PMJAY card?
This is a violation of scheme rules. Call the toll-free helpline 1800-103-2015 immediately and report the hospital name and situation. Empanelled hospitals are legally required to provide cashless treatment to eligible beneficiaries and cannot ask for out-of-pocket payments for covered procedures.
I live in Chandel or Ukhrul, not Imphal. Can I still use CMHT or PMJAY?
Yes. Every district hospital in Manipur is empanelled - Chandel District Hospital, Ukhrul District Hospital, and all CHCs in your district are part of the network. For conditions beyond what your district hospital can handle, they will refer you to RIMS, JNIMS, or a higher facility with the scheme covering the cost.
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