A study by the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research reveals that the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) has enhanced access to complex spine surgeries and reduced financial burdens for economically disadvantaged patients. The research, analyzing surgeries from 2023 to 2024, indicates a rise in PMJAY-funded procedures and a decrease in self-financed surgeries.
During the study period, 410 patients underwent spine surgeries, with the majority involving degenerative spinal disorders and traumatic injuries. Notably, 67.3% of the procedures were funded under PM-JAY, marking a significant increase in scheme utilization from 2023 to 2024. The findings emphasize the scheme’s role in providing implant-intensive spine care to a wider population.
Published in the Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma, the study underscores the positive impact of publicly funded insurance in enhancing financial access to spine care. The ABPMJAY, initiated in 2018, aims to alleviate health expenses and enhance healthcare access for eligible households, showcasing a growing utilization for surgical interventions, including orthopaedic procedures.
