Patients can call the 24/7 toll-free helpline to seek opinions on their elective TKR and THR surgeries from anywhere in Karnataka.
Published Nov 20, 2024 | 10:21 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 20, 2024 | 10:21 AM
Knee replacement surgery. (iStock)
Are you unsure whether the knee replacement surgery your doctor recommended is the right choice? Don’t fret. The Karnataka government has stepped in with a unique initiative — a first-of-its-kind helpline offering free second opinions on complex surgeries.
This unique service is designed to provide clarity, reassurance and expert advice to patients grappling with major medical decisions, starting with Total Knee Replacement (TKR) and Total Hip Replacement (THR) procedures.
The helpline was launched on Tuesday, 19 November, by the Karnataka Department of Health & Family Welfare under Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) for Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana Chief Ministester’s Arogya Karnataka (AB-PMJAY-CM’s-ArK).
It will provide a second opinion on joint replacement surgeries in Karnataka for patients considering complex elective surgeries; initially, with hip and knee replacements.
This second opinion service initiative, the first of its kind in the country, aims to empower citizens by providing access to additional expert perspectives on their diagnosis and treatment plans, helping them make well-informed decisions.
“This initiative is unique and no other state has initiated anything of this kind. We want end-to-end healthcare to be provided for the people of Karnataka. We realised that second opinions always make a huge difference. It not only gives confidence to go ahead with the surgery but also prevents patients from unnecessarily going under the knife and preserves the quality of life,” Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao told reporters.
ಕ್ಲಿಷ್ಟಕರ ಶಸ್ತ್ರಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಆತಂಕ, ಅನುಮಾನಗಳಿದ್ದಲ್ಲಿ 2ನೇ ವೈದ್ಯಕೀಯ ಅಭಿಪ್ರಾಯ ಪಡೆಯಬಹುದು. ನಮ್ಮ ಸರ್ಕಾರವು ಈ ನಿಟ್ಟಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಉಚಿತ ಸಹಾಯವಾಣಿ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆ 1800 4258 330 ಆರಂಭಿಸಿದ್ದು, ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಜನತೆ ಸದುಪಯೋಗಪಡಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕು.#free_second_medical_opinions #HealthForAll #secondopinion pic.twitter.com/btrpbzOl5f
— Dinesh Gundu Rao/ದಿನೇಶ್ ಗುಂಡೂರಾವ್ (@dineshgrao) November 20, 2024
Speaking to South First, SAST Medical Management Advisor Dr Parimala Maroor said that following an analysis of all knee replacement and total hip replacement surgeries that were being referred to private hospitals, they noticed that the majority of the surgeries were being taken up at private hospitals.
He added that no end-to-end care was being given in the government facilities.
Karnataka government launched 24/7 free helpline to give “second opinion” on total joint and hip replacement surgeries. (supplied)
“We noticed about 65 percent of the TKR and THR surgeries were being done at private and 35 percent at government facilities. When we did a gap analysis we came up slew of measures to set this right. Now, with some of the unique initiatives being implemented we have already reversed this percentage to a great extent,” explained Dr Maroor.
At first, the department proposed a unique program, a committee of expert doctors who would scrutinise every referral to private facilities. This committee was then extended to address the cases that come to the helpline.
A Government Order (GO) was issued designating Sanjay Gandhi Hospital as a centre of excellence.
Under this initiative, a team of mentor surgeons has been formed to visit government hospitals that have basic infrastructure but lack trained doctors, or facilities with no infrastructure where neighbouring government facilities can be utilised.
These teams of doctors will visit such hospitals, take up cases for TKR and THR surgeries, and train the orthopaedic doctors working in those government facilities.
“This approach allows doctors at these hospitals, even those without experience in complex surgeries, to gain hands-on training. The entire team — including anaesthetists, physiotherapists, and other supporting doctors — will be prepared to handle such cases independently. The more surgeries they perform, the more their skills will improve, ultimately enabling the hospital to be empanelled as a fully-equipped facility for such procedures,” explained an official.
The brainstorming of officials from the department gave rise to the idea of a second opinion. They noticed that sometimes even people aged between 40 and 45 years might be advised for surgery.
“In most cases, replacement surgery is not needed. There are chances of other treatment options, including weight loss, alignment surgeries, physiotherapy etc. to treat their knee or hip problems. If operated at that young age, they might need another revision surgery in about 15 years. To avoid all these, a second opinion is much needed and hence the idea of a helpline came up,” explained the officials during the launch event.
Dr Maroor also added that many patients might be labourers who are worried about the quality of life post-surgery. They have questions about whether they could work normally, whether the surgery will cripple them for life etc.
This helpline aims to address such questions in detail with the patients and their families, he said.
With the increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases, ageing populations, and rising injury rates, certain surgeries have become remarkably common.
Among these, TKR and THR stand out as frequent procedures, primarily driven by conditions like arthritis, joint degeneration, and severe injuries. These surgeries are often life-changing for patients, offering relief from chronic pain and restoring mobility.
However, these surgeries are often complex and patients are often left with difficult questions: Is the surgery necessary? Are there less invasive alternatives? What are the risks and potential complications? Will I be able to walk and lead a healthy life after the surgery? etc.
Recognising this widespread uncertainty, Karnataka’s Department of Health & Family Welfare has launched a dedicated helpline — 1800-425-8330 — to provide a second opinion on complex elective surgeries, starting with TKR and THR procedures due to the high prevalence of these procedures.
This initiative is a significant step toward empowering patients, ensuring they receive reliable information and expert advice before making critical healthcare decisions. With expert consultations, multilingual support, and a focus on patient empowerment, the helpline addresses a pressing need in today’s healthcare landscape.
However, they are not the only surgeries that pose dilemmas for patients. Other common yet complex procedures include other complex surgeries.
Patients can call the 24/7 toll-free helpline to seek opinions on their elective TKR and THR surgeries from anywhere in Karnataka. A call centre with trained people will receive the basic information about the patients; symptoms, referral hospital, when surgery was suggested, what are scans and x-rays done before the suggestion etc. will be taken note of.
Subsequently, the patients will be given a WhatsApp number to share their medical records.
These medical records will be analysed by a team comprising junior and senior expert doctors. A detailed diagnosis will be shared over a phone call with the patient. Expert advice will be given and all sorts of doubts will be answered by the doctor.
“Specialist doctors will provide second opinions for procedures such as TKR and THR and other critical conditions. This initiative is a significant step towards building a healthier Karnataka,” Gundu Rao said
The service provides:
Clarity and confidence: For complex cases, a second opinion helps confirm or reassess the initial diagnosis, presenting alternative treatment approaches that may be less invasive.
Enhanced risk awareness: Different surgeons offer varied insights into the risks, complications, and recovery timelines, aiding patients in understanding the full scope of their medical journey.
Exploration of alternatives: Patients may discover non-surgical or minimally invasive treatments that could effectively address their condition.
Advanced expertise: Specialists may suggest newer technologies or advanced techniques tailored to the patient’s needs.
Peace of mind: Assurance from multiple qualified professionals reduces anxiety and uncertainty for patients and their families.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
