Bengaluru: In a noteworthy instance of cost-effective healthcare, a knee surgery that usually incurs costs in lakhs of rupees was successfully carried out for a mere 67 rupees through the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka Yojana (ABAKY) in Bengaluru. This surgical feat, performed by medical professionals at Chamarajanagar CIMS (Chamarajanagar Government Medical College Hospital), underscores the advantages of the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
The successful completion of patellar ligament reconstruction surgery, a typically expensive procedure, was accomplished for five patients at the remarkably low cost of 67 rupees per patient. This achievement occurred five years after the launch of ABAKY, a program that offers free healthcare services, yet remains largely unnoticed by many.
To promote awareness of the program and its healthcare services, doctors from CIMS organized a unique workshop in which they conducted simultaneous knee ligament reconstruction surgeries on five individuals. The breakdown of expenses included 10 rupees for an outpatient card, 25 rupees for admission, and 2 rupees for photocopies of Aadhaar and BPL cards. As a result, the total cost per patient amounted to a mere 67 rupees. Dr. Maruthi, Head of the Joint and Orthopedic Department, noted that patients from the SC and ST communities received the procedure completely free of charge.
Dr. Maruthi achieved significant recognition by conducting a live demonstration, marking a noteworthy milestone. In contrast to the typical training methods for medical students, which often involve video presentations or cadaver-based exercises, Dr. Maruthi organized the inaugural live demonstration of patellar ligament reconstruction surgery at CIMS Hospital, setting a precedent among government medical college hospitals in the state. This initiative provided registered doctors from various hospitals with the unique opportunity to receive hands-on surgical training. Five teams of five individuals were assembled, enabling them to observe and learn surgical techniques directly from specialized experts.
The primary objective of this workshop was to enhance the accessibility of Ayushman Yojana benefits for the general public and to facilitate the sharing of specialized knowledge among doctors from diverse hospitals. This aligns with the broader mission of promoting affordable and easily reachable healthcare services.
