Bengaluru: In a significant move, the state health dept has expanded its Arogya Karnataka – Ayushman Bharat scheme to include surgeries for spinal deformities such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis.
Patients will receive financial coverage of up to Rs 1.5 lakh per surgery, making treatment more accessible and reducing the financial burden on families. The move particularly benefits children, ensuring timely medical intervention to prevent complications.
Health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasised the govt’s commitment to making Karnataka a scoliosis-free state Saturday. In a post on X, he stated, “This initiative will provide relief for conditions like scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis, commonly seen in children and young adults. It will help them lead normal lives and engage in daily activities like everyone else.”
Medical experts welcomed the move. Highlighting a 10% yearly increase in scoliosis and spine deformity cases in Bengaluru, Dr Umesh Srikantha, senior consultant of neurosurgery and head of spine services at Aster CMI Hospital, called the govt’s decision a much-needed step. “Including it in the health scheme will help govt schools identify cases early, leading to better treatment outcomes. While scoliosis cases are rising, this is likely due to better awareness and diagnosis rather than an actual increase in prevalence.”
Dr S Vidyadhara, chairman and HOD of spine surgery at Manipal Hospital, said at least 50 cases of spinal deformities per month were reported, with 10 requiring surgery. “Scoliosis is the most common spinal deformity we see, especially in children and teenagers. It’s a silent disease, painless in the early stages, which leads to late detection. As the deformity worsens, it can curve beyond 90 degrees, impacting the heart and lungs, causing breathlessness and severe back pain. At that stage, surgery becomes far more complex,” he said. He also noted that kyphosis, often caused by tuberculosis or other spinal conditions, similarly requires early intervention.
Dr Ravikumar T V, HOD and consultant of orthopaedics at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, pointed out the financial challenges families faced. “Until now, spinal deformity surgeries weren’t covered under Arogya Karnataka, making it difficult for patients to get approvals due to the high costs. Many families couldn’t afford it, leading to delays and worsening conditions. I see around 10 cases a month, with at least five requiring surgery — this scheme will ensure they get treated at the right time.”
The inclusion of spinal deformity surgeries under the state’s health scheme is expected to help thousands of children and young adults get the care they need without financial barriers.