Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Under PM-JAY
Spinal cord injuries from road accidents, falls, and sports injuries can cause paralysis — partial or complete loss of movement and sensation below the injury level. PM-JAY covers the emergency stabilisation, surgical treatment, and initial hospitalisation for spinal cord injuries.
What Is Covered
Emergency stabilisation: Immobilisation, initial imaging (X-ray, CT scan, MRI of spine), and preventing further injury. Covered under PMJAY emergency packages without pre-authorisation.
Spinal surgery: Surgical decompression to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, spinal fusion to stabilise the spine, and fixation with pedicle screws, rods, and cages. All implant costs are included. Available at PMJAY neurosurgery hospitals and orthopaedic spine centres.
ICU care: Spinal cord injury patients often need prolonged ICU care, especially those with cervical (neck) injuries affecting breathing. Ventilator support, pressure sore prevention, bladder catheterisation, and DVT prevention are covered during hospitalisation.
Initial rehabilitation: Physiotherapy during hospitalisation to prevent contractures and begin mobility training. PM-JAY covers the inpatient rehabilitation period.
What Is NOT Covered
Long-term rehabilitation (weeks to months of physiotherapy), wheelchairs and assistive devices, home modifications, and ongoing urological care are not covered under PM-JAY packages. Patients need to access government rehabilitation centres, disability welfare schemes, and NGOs for long-term support.
Finding the Right Hospital
Spinal cord injury treatment requires specialised centres. Search for hospitals with neurosurgery empanelment in major cities — Delhi (AIIMS, Safdarjung), Lucknow (KGMU, SGPGI), Ahmedabad (Civil Hospital, SAL Hospital), Mumbai, and Chennai have experienced spinal injury centres.
Disclaimer: PMJAYHospitals.com is an independent directory. For official information, visit pmjay.gov.in or call 14555.