Patient Performs Knee Surgery at just INR 67 through Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka Yojana

The patellar ligament reconstruction surgery, usually expensive, was done at the cost of only INR 67 each for five patients. This achievement happened five years after the launch of ABAKY.

In a recent demonstration of accessible healthcare, knee surgery, typically costing lakhs of rupees, was performed for just INR 67 under the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka Yojana (ABAKY) at Chamarajanagar, Karnataka.

Doctors at CIMS (Chamarajanagar Government Medical College Hospital) executed this procedure, shedding light on the significant advantages of the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

The surgery in question, known as patellar ligament reconstruction surgery, is a high-cost procedure. However, it was completed for five patients at the nominal cost of INR 67, each. This achievement came five years after the implementation of ABAKY, which offers free healthcare services that many people may not be aware of.

To raise awareness about the scheme and its healthcare facilities, CIMS doctors organised a special workshop in which knee ligament reconstruction surgeries were performed simultaneously on five individuals.

Dr Maruthi, head of the Joint and Orthopaedic Department innovative approach related to these initiatives, attracted attention through a live demonstration. While medical students typically receive training through videos or cadaver-based procedures, Dr Maruthi organised the first-ever live demonstration of patellar ligament reconstruction surgery at CIMS Hospital, setting a precedent among government medical college hospitals in the state.

Registered doctors from various hospitals had the opportunity to participate in surgical training in person. Five teams of five doctors were formed, allowing them to witness and learn surgical procedures directly from specialists.

This workshop had a twofold objective: to make Ayushman Yojana benefits more accessible to the public and to ensure that specialist knowledge is available to doctors from different hospitals. This aligns with the overarching goal of affordable and accessible healthcare for all.

The Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka health scheme was initiated in Karnataka in 2018 with the primary objective of enhancing healthcare services for the state's residents. This comprehensive program also aims to extend financial support to individuals facing severe illnesses and cover expenses related to hospitalisation.

Moreover, the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka scheme encompasses various healthcare services, including primary, secondary, and tertiary care. It also prioritises preventative health education, aiming to promote wellness and prevent the onset of diseases among all residents of Karnataka. It's important to note that access to these benefits is granted exclusively to individuals holding an Ayushman Karnataka card, ensuring that the scheme reaches those eligible and in need of these vital healthcare services.