Brain and Spine Surgery Under PMJAY
The Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme covers a comprehensive range of neurosurgery procedures, giving eligible patients access to life-saving and quality-of-life-improving treatments completely free of cost. This guide explains what specific procedures are covered, how to find the right hospital, and what to expect during treatment.
Procedures Covered Under PM-JAY
The PM-JAY scheme covers the following neurosurgery procedures: brain tumour surgery (craniotomy, stereotactic biopsy), spinal cord surgery (discectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion), VP shunt surgery for hydrocephalus, aneurysm clipping, and interventional neuroradiology procedures (coiling, thrombectomy). Each procedure is covered as a defined package with a fixed rate — the hospital cannot charge you anything beyond the package.
Detailed Coverage
Brain Tumour Surgery: Craniotomy for removal of brain tumours — both benign and malignant. Includes stereotactic biopsy for deep-seated tumours. PM-JAY covers the surgery, ICU stay (typically 3-5 days for brain surgery), and post-operative imaging.
Spinal Surgery: Discectomy for herniated disc, laminectomy for spinal stenosis, spinal fusion for instability, and surgical treatment of spinal fractures and tumours. Both cervical and lumbar spine procedures are covered. Implants (pedicle screws, rods, cages) are included in the package.
VP Shunt Surgery: Placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid in hydrocephalus. Common in children and elderly patients. The shunt device cost is included.
Aneurysm Treatment: Surgical clipping of brain aneurysms through craniotomy. Endovascular coiling (minimally invasive) is covered under Interventional Neuroradiology packages. Both are life-saving procedures for ruptured and unruptured aneurysms.
Stroke Treatment: Emergency endovascular thrombectomy (clot removal) for acute ischemic stroke is covered under the Interventional Neuroradiology specialty. This time-critical procedure can prevent permanent brain damage if performed within hours of stroke onset.
How to Find a Hospital for Brain and Spine Surgery
Not every PMJAY empanelled hospital offers neurosurgery services. You need to find a hospital specifically empanelled for this specialty in your district.
Step 1: Visit PMJAYHospitals.com — Neurosurgery
Step 2: Select your state and district to see all hospitals offering this specialty near you.
Step 3: Call the hospital to confirm they are currently performing the specific procedure you need under PM-JAY.
Step 4: Visit the hospital with your Ayushman Bharat card, Aadhaar card, and any existing medical reports.
Important Warning
Brain and spine conditions are serious. Symptoms like sudden severe headache, weakness on one side, difficulty speaking, loss of consciousness, or progressive numbness require emergency medical attention. Go to the nearest hospital immediately. PM-JAY covers emergency neurosurgery.
Recovery and Post-Treatment Care
Brain surgery recovery involves 5-10 days of hospitalisation including ICU. Spinal surgery recovery is 5-7 days. Post-discharge rehabilitation including physiotherapy is critical for neurological recovery. PM-JAY covers 15 days of post-discharge care.
What You Need to Carry
- Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY card (physical or digital via ABHA app)
- Aadhaar card (original, for biometric verification)
- All existing medical reports, X-rays, scans, and prescriptions
- Referral letter from your doctor (if available)
- Previous discharge summary (if this is a follow-up treatment)
Cost to the Patient
The treatment is completely cashless under PM-JAY. You pay nothing — not for the surgery, not for medicines, not for implants or devices, not for ICU charges, and not for diagnostic tests during hospitalisation. The hospital settles the bill directly with the insurance company or state health agency. If any hospital asks you to pay, call the PMJAY helpline at 14555 immediately.
Find hospitals for this treatment: PMJAY Neurosurgery Hospitals
Disclaimer: PMJAYHospitals.com is an independent directory and is not affiliated with the National Health Authority or any government body. Treatment information is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor for treatment decisions. For official PM-JAY information, visit pmjay.gov.in or call 14555.