Karnataka has officially included corrective surgeries for spine deformities like scoliosis under the Ayushman Bharat - Arogya Karnataka Yojana, making the procedures free of cost in government and all empanelled hospitals.
Published Feb 26, 2025 | 12:01 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 26, 2025 | 12:01 AM
(Left) An abnormal spine; (right) A healthy spine (iStock)
Synopsis: The Karnataka government has included corrective surgeries for spinal deformities like scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis under the Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka Yojana, making them free of cost in government and empanelled hospitals. This initiative aims to provide financial relief to economically weaker families, ensuring timely medical intervention and improving the quality of life for affected individuals.
For years, Sheetal Srinivasulu, a 13-year-old from Karnataka’s Ballari, lived with a curved spine and constant pain.
Diagnosed with scoliosis at 12, her condition worsened as her family – dependent on her father’s modest income as a daily-wage laborer – couldn’t afford surgery.
The price tag of over ₹2 lakh in government hospitals and nearly ₹10 to 20 lakh in private hospitals for spinal correction surgery was beyond their means. “The pain was unbearable, but the fear of financial ruin stopped us from even thinking about surgery,” says her father Srinivasulu to South First.
But a recent announcement from the Karnataka government is set to change the lives of thousands like Sheetal.
The state has officially included corrective surgeries for spine deformities like scoliosis (sideways curvature of the spine), kyphosis (abnormal forward rounding of the spine), and lordosis (excessive inward curvature of the lower back) under the Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka Yojana (AB-ArK).
This move provides financial coverage of up to ₹1.5 lakh per surgery, making these procedures completely free of cost in government and all empanelled hospitals across Karnataka, significantly reducing the burden on affected families.
Scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves abnormally, can cause chronic pain, breathing difficulties, and severe physical deformities if left untreated.
Speaking to South First, Dr Manoj Kumar, leading orthopaedic surgeon, Dean and Director of Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College and Research Institution (formerly known as Bowring Hospital), explains that “the spine curves sideways by more than 10 degrees, affects around 3.1 percent of children and adolescents worldwide. It can be congenital (present from birth) or idiopathic (unknown cause, often seen in adolescents).”
According to health department officials, these conditions are particularly prevalent among children and adolescents, with early signs frequently overlooked in rural areas due to a lack of awareness and access to medical expertise.
“A study conducted in Kalaburagi district revealed that around 6 percent of urban students and 2 percent of rural students suffer from kyphosis, while 2 percent of rural students have scoliosis. While these numbers might seem small, when applied to Karnataka’s population, they translate to thousands of individuals living with untreated spinal issues – many of whom belong to economically weaker sections,” health department officials said in a media release.
Scoliosis surgery, Dr Manoj explains, is complex and highly technical, but with modern advances and trained doctors it is generally safe. He says, “this surgery can be done only by a well trained spine surgeon. Even if the empanelled hospitals can perform the surgery, a consent will be given to them only after there is enough evidence of the surgeon being a well experienced and trained surgeon.”
The surgery, according to doctors, most commonly involves spinal fusion. Here two or more vertebrae are fused together using bone grafts, screws, rods and hooks to correct and stabilise the spine.
Dr Manoj says the surgery can take up to four to eight hours, depending on the severity of the curve and patient’s condition. “Nearly 20-22 screws will have to be used. It is as complex as a cochlear implant surgery. But if done by a trained spine surgeon the surgery is normally safe and also successful.”
The initiative is especially beneficial for children, ensuring timely medical intervention to prevent complications. Including spinal deformity surgeries under the scheme is expected to have a major impact on public health in Karnataka.
“By covering the costs of these complex procedures, more patients will be able to access necessary treatment. This will improve their quality of life, reduce long-term healthcare expenses by addressing the issue early and contributes to the overall well-being of the community,” the order by the state government said.
Dr Manoj explains that majority of patients fear the cost and avoid seeking treatment. The incidence is found to be higher amongst girls than boys.
“The condition, especially in girls, is mostly noticed by mothers who bring them to the hospital, only to return without surgery due to lack of money,” added Dr Manoj. Meanwhile, the condition is also identified during medical camps and screening programs conducted in schools.
“The surgery not only improves posture but also enhances lung function and reduces pain. However, many patients—especially from rural areas—simply couldn’t afford it. This initiative is a much-needed intervention,” says Dr Manoj.
Until now, the cost of corrective surgery—which includes expensive spinal implants and post-surgical rehabilitation—ranged from ₹10 to ₹20 lakh in private hospitals. Even in government hospitals, where consultation fees were lower, the costs of implants and specialised care were a significant burden for economically weaker families, costing up to ₹2 to ₹2.5 lakh.
Dr Manoj also explained that the government will soon identify major hospitals like Bowring Hospital, Sanjay Gandhi Hospital and a few others, and also train doctors from some private and government hospitals to perform this surgery. “As it is a complicated procedure, we need well-trained doctors. A team will work in identifying spine surgeons and train them well to perform these surgeries,” added Dr Manoj.
According to doctors, untreated scoliosis can lead to long-term complications beyond physical disfigurement. They emphasise that many patients develop lung and heart issues because their bodies cannot function properly. Early surgical intervention can prevent these complications.
The government’s decision also promises to ease the burden on public health facilities. Many patients delay surgery until their condition becomes severe, leading to more complicated, resource-intensive treatments. With earlier interventions now possible, experts believe overall costs and post-surgical complications will decrease significantly.
With the inclusion of spinal deformities in the National Health Mission’s Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (NHM-RBSK), school children can now undergo regular health screenings, allowing for early detection and timely intervention. Families that previously avoided surgery due to costs can now seek timely treatment, potentially avoiding future complications that could lead to job loss, reduced mobility, or permanent disability.
Spinal deformities, if untreated, can lead to chronic pain, respiratory problems, and reduced physical activity. Early treatment under this scheme will improve mobility and overall quality of life for many affected individuals.
Dr Manoj, appreciating the government’s move, said, “We often see young patients who desperately need surgery but cannot afford it. This scheme will change that reality for many families in Karnataka.”
However, experts suggest that along with financial support, awareness campaigns and early screening programs in schools and rural areas are essential to maximise the scheme’s impact.
As Karnataka leads the way in addressing spinal health issues, the success of this initiative could inspire similar programs across other states, offering hope and healing to thousands more across the country. The Karnataka government also plans to end scoliosis in the next two years through these corrective surgeries, said a senior health department official.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
