Chandigarh: Punjab is witnessing a steady increase in health problems related to bones, joints and trauma. According to the data of ‘Mukhyamantri Swasthya Yojana’, orthopedic treatments have emerged as an important part of the public health services of the state.
Explaining the situation, data from the state health agency shows that so far more than Rs 84 crore has been spent on bone, joint and trauma related treatments under the scheme. This reflects increasing surgical needs and increased access to specialized orthopedic services in government hospitals.
What do the statistics say?
Statistics show that most knee replacement treatments have been done under this scheme. This was followed by treatments such as hip surgery and fracture fixation through plates, nails and other implants. These treatments are now being done regularly under cashless facility in district and big government hospitals.
There have been over 45 lakh registrations in Punjab so far, showing the widespread use of cashless health services. More than 4.8 lakh beneficiaries have been registered in Ludhiana and about 4.1 lakh in Patiala under the scheme.
The increase in orthopedic cases also reflects major changes occurring in public health. Joint problems, persistent pain and mobility difficulties are on the rise, especially in the aging population. The number of patients suffering from knee and hip problems, chronic joint pain and mobility difficulties is continuously increasing in government hospitals.
Gulshan Taneja’s story
Orthopedic treatments often require expensive implants, lengthy treatment and rehabilitation, placing a heavy financial burden on families. This situation was personally very challenging for 43-year-old Gulshan Taneja, resident of Kheda Gajju near Rajpura.
Taneja met with an accident while working in a factory. After this it became difficult for him to walk. The sudden pain while walking would force him to stop and take support of the wall. There was persistent swelling around the knee and stiffness made it difficult to perform normal activities. Many times he would stop before standing up, wondering whether his legs would be able to bear the weight of his body or not.
He was admitted to Rajindra Hospital, Patiala on 6 May and was treated for a ligament tear the next day. Doctors recorded symptoms such as severe joint pain, swelling, instability and difficulty bearing weight.
Chief Minister Health Scheme a boon
Under the Chief Minister Health Scheme, he got treatment worth Rs 86,750, completely cashless. On May 12, he was discharged from the hospital and returned to his home without the worry of huge medical bills.
Gulshan Taneja said, “I am slowly recovering now. Because of the health card, I did not have to pay any money for my treatment. This scheme is reducing the expenses of families like ours and making expensive treatment easier.”
Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said, “The burden of orthopedic diseases is increasing rapidly, making the need to strengthen affordable and accessible surgical services all the more evident.” He further said that under the scheme, cashless knee replacement, hip and trauma related treatments are being provided to thousands of patients, thereby reducing the financial burden and improving the quality of life.
He said that the expenditure of over Rs 84 crore in just four months not only reflects the expansion of health services, but also marks a major change in restoring mobility, reducing disability and improving the quality of life of patients in the state.
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