Karnataka govt hospitals expand joint replacement surgeries to cut private dependance

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stated that in 2023-24, out of 1,709 such surgeries, only 35% (601) were performed in government hospitals, while 65% (1,108) took place in private hospitals.

In view of this, the government issued an order in September 2024 aimed at improving infrastructure and reducing private referrals.

Since then, the number of government hospitals included in the panel has increased from 17 to 39, including district hospitals, medical colleges, an autonomous hospital, and taluka hospitals, thereby improving access to these surgeries across the state.

As per the TNIE media news report, a mentorship program has also been launched, under which orthopaedic surgeons perform surgeries and train government doctors.

Prior to the order, the number of surgeries performed under mentorship stood at 35, which subsequently rose to 99; these included 49 hip and 50 knee replacements, while trained government surgeons have also now begun performing these procedures.

Furthermore, Rao stated that financial and quality-related measures have also been implemented, including increasing package reimbursement for government hospitals from 75% to 100%, improving the procurement of implants and equipment, and strengthening infrastructure and the quality of care.

The Department of Health and Family Welfare has launched a 24×7 free 'Second Opinion' helpline under the 'Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust'. This toll-free service is available in Kannada and English.

The government has established 'Heat Stroke Management Rooms' in Taluka, District, and Community hospitals, with 10, 5, and 2 beds available in each, respectively. Equipped with fans and ice packs for immediate relief, these units aim to combat rising temperatures.