Chandigarh: A PGI study has found that the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) has significantly increased access to complex spine surgeries while lowering out-of-pocket expenditure for patients. The research, published in the Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma (2026), analysed 410 surgeries performed between Jan 2023 and Dec 2024 to understand how public insurance affects high-cost specialty care.
According to the study, PM-JAY funded 58.7% of spine surgeries at the institute in 2023, rising to 73.5% in 2024. During the same period, self-financed procedures slipped from 37.8% to 18.9%, indicating a shift towards insurance-supported treatment at tertiary level.The study — led by Dr Vishal Kumar and Dr Sarvdeep Singh Dhatt — covered a broad range of clinical conditions. Degenerative spinal disorders accounted for 46.1% of the cases, followed by traumatic spinal injuries at 33.4%. The authors noted that spine surgery, which involves costly implants and prolonged hospitalisation, provides a sensitive measure of the scheme’s impact on affordability.All surgeries covered under PM-JAY used implants approved within standard reimbursement packages. While the study primarily evaluated access and financing trends, the surgical team noted that timely intervention in spinal conditions helps prevent permanent neurological deficits and long-term disability. The researchers also underscored the need for strong clinical governance and regular audits to ensure evidence-based use of surgical procedures and prevent overutilisation.
