My grandmother has diabetes, and recently there has been pus accumulation in one of her toes. After consulting a doctor, we were informed that it is wet gangrene. We have started the treatment, but the doctor advised us to consult a surgeon as well. Could you please let us know if there is a consultant surgeon at BHRC

Hello P. Siva ji,

Thank you for your query regarding the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) and its coverage for general surgery. It's essential to understand the distinction between the ABHA card and the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) card to determine eligibility for surgical procedures.

Understanding ABHA and PM-JAY:

• ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account):

  • Purpose: Serves as a digital health ID, allowing individuals to store and access their medical records electronically.

  • Coverage: Does not provide any financial coverage for medical treatments or surgeries.

  • Availability: Open to all Indian citizens, regardless of income or socioeconomic status.

• PM-JAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana):

  • Purpose: A health insurance scheme aimed at providing financial protection for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.

  • Coverage: Offers free treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, including various surgical procedures.

  • Eligibility: Targeted at economically disadvantaged families, identified based on specific criteria.

General Surgery Coverage under PM-JAY:

If you are an eligible beneficiary under the PM-JAY scheme:

• Coverage Amount: Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.

• Included Procedures: A wide range of general surgeries, such as hernia repair, appendectomy, gallbladder removal, and more.

• Hospital Network: Access to a vast network of empaneled public and private hospitals across India.

How to Check Eligibility and Hospital Empanelment:

1. Check Eligibility:

   • Visit the official PM-JAY portal: https://pmjay.gov.in

   • Use the "Am I Eligible" feature by entering your mobile number and other required details.

2. Find Empaneled Hospitals:

   • Access the hospital search portal: https://hospitals.pmjay.gov.in/Search/empnlWorkFlow.htm

   • Select your state and district to view a list of empaneled hospitals.

Hello Tushar ji,

Yes, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) covers back surgeries, including spinal procedures, for eligible beneficiaries. To avail of this benefit, the surgery must be performed at an empanelled hospital under the scheme.

Empanelled Hospitals in East Delhi for Back Surgery

Here are some hospitals in East Delhi empanelled under Ayushman Bharat where your grandfather can consider undergoing back surgery:

• Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital (GTBH), Dilshad Garden
  A major government hospital offering a wide range of medical services, including orthopedic and spinal surgeries.

• IPSC Pain and Spine Hospital
  It specialises in spine surgeries and is empanelled under Ayushman Bharat. It offers advanced surgical treatments for various spinal conditions.

• Goyal Hospital & Urology Centre
  Located in East Delhi, this private hospital is empanelled under Ayushman Bharat and provides orthopedic services.

Note: It's advisable to contact the hospitals directly to confirm the availability of the specific surgical procedure required and to ensure that they accept Ayushman Bharat for that treatment.

How to Verify Hospital Empanelment

To check if a hospital is empanelled under Ayushman Bharat:

1. Visit the official portal: https://hospitals.pmjay.gov.in/Search/empnlWorkFlow.htm?actionFlag=ViewRegisteredHosptlsNew

2. Select:

   • State: NCT of Delhi

   • District: East Delhi

   • Specialty: Orthopedics or Neurosurgery (as applicable)

3. Click on "Search" to view the list of empanelled hospitals.

Steps to Avail Cashless Treatment

1. Verify Eligibility: Ensure your grandfather's Ayushman Bharat card is active.

2. Hospital Visit: Choose an empanelled hospital and consult with the specialist.

3. Pre-Authorization: The hospital will initiate a pre-authorization request for the surgery under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

4. Treatment: Upon approval, the surgery and associated treatments will be provided cashless.

If you need assistance in selecting the right hospital or understanding the process further, feel free to ask.

Wishing your grandfather a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

Hello Shankari ji,

When is Uterus Removal Surgery Advised?

Doctors may suggest uterus removal surgery if you have:

• Heavy or long periods that don’t improve with medicine

• Uterine fibroids (rasoli) causing pain or pressure

• Uterine prolapse (uterus slips down into the vagina)

• Endometriosis or chronic pelvic pain

• Cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries

Surgical Techniques (Latest Options)

• Abdominal Hysterectomy – done through a cut on the stomach (older method)

• Vaginal Hysterectomy – uterus removed through the vagina (no external cut)

• Laparoscopic Hysterectomy – small holes and a camera are used for less pain and faster healing

• Robotic-Assisted Surgery – advanced and highly precise, used in some centres

Recovery Time

• Hospital stay: 2–3 days (laparoscopic), 4–5 days (open surgery)

• Full recovery: 4–6 weeks (may be shorter with advanced methods)

• You can resume light work in about 2–3 weeks if healing is smooth

Financing Options

• Personal health insurance may cover the cost

• Some government health cards and state schemes provide cashless options

• EMI or hospital-based payment plans are also available in private hospitals

If you’d like help finding the best hospitals or understanding your options better, let us know!