Knee Replacement and Hip Replacement Under PMJAY
The Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme covers a comprehensive range of joint replacement 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 joint replacement procedures: total knee replacement (TKR), total hip replacement (THR), partial knee replacement, revision joint replacement, and shoulder replacement. Each procedure is covered as a defined package with a fixed rate — the hospital cannot charge you anything beyond the package.
Detailed Coverage
Total Knee Replacement (TKR): Complete replacement of the damaged knee joint with an artificial implant. This is one of the most sought-after procedures under PM-JAY, especially among elderly patients with severe osteoarthritis. Both unilateral (one knee) and bilateral (both knees) replacements are covered, though bilateral is done in staged surgeries.
Total Hip Replacement (THR): Replacement of the hip joint with a prosthetic implant. Covered for patients with severe hip arthritis, avascular necrosis, or hip fractures in elderly patients where repair is not possible. Includes cemented and uncemented implants.
Partial Knee Replacement: Also called unicompartmental knee replacement — replaces only the damaged portion of the knee. Suitable for patients where arthritis affects only one compartment of the knee.
Revision Joint Replacement: Re-surgery to replace or repair a previously implanted artificial joint that has worn out, loosened, or become infected. More complex than primary replacement and covered under a separate PM-JAY package.
Implant Cost: The cost of the artificial joint implant is included in the PM-JAY package rate. You do not need to pay separately for the implant. The hospital cannot charge extra for implants beyond what is covered in the package.
How to Find a Hospital for Knee Replacement and Hip Replacement
Not every PMJAY empanelled hospital offers joint replacement services. You need to find a hospital specifically empanelled for this specialty in your district.
Step 1: Visit PMJAYHospitals.com — Joint Replacement
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
Joint replacement is an elective surgery — it is planned in advance, not an emergency. Take time to choose the right hospital and surgeon. Ask the hospital about their joint replacement experience, infection rates, and the type of implant they use under PM-JAY.
Recovery and Post-Treatment Care
Hospitalisation for joint replacement is typically 5-7 days. Physiotherapy starts within 24-48 hours after surgery. PM-JAY covers the hospital stay, implant, surgery, medicines, and 15 days of post-discharge follow-up. Full recovery with physiotherapy takes 3-6 months. Most patients can walk with support within a week of surgery.
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 Joint Replacement 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.