Chandigarh, Feb. 4 -- In two years, 67% of the total patients having undergone spine surgeries at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) were benefited by Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna, covering treatment upto Rs.5 lakh per year per family, a study conducted by orthopaedics department has revealed. From January 2023 to December 2024, 410 patients underwent spine surgeries in PGI and out of these 276 received financial aid under the central government scheme. The study, titled "impact of Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) on access to spine surgery at a tertiary care centre in north India: a retrospective analysis" has been conducted by Dr Vishal Kumar, professor in department of orthopedic surgery along with Dr Sarvdeep Singh Dhatt. PM-JAY utilisation increased from 58.7% in 2023 to 73.5% in 2024. The utilisation of PM-JAY extended across trauma, deformity, tumour, infections, and revision spine surgeries, reflecting growing institutional confidence in delivering advanced spine care within fixed reimbursement frameworks. PGIMER director Prof Vivek Lal said, "This study clearly demonstrates how Ayushman Bharat is reshaping access to advanced surgical care by removing financial barriers."htc...