Insurance gap makes it difficult for patients to have robotic joint replacement: doctors

Mumbai, Oct 7 (PTI) Insurance gap prevents patients from opting for a robotic joint replacement surgery despite its proven benefits, say doctors.

“Arthritis affects nearly 60 million Indians, yet fewer than 10 per cent undergo joint replacement surgery. Despite the availability of advanced robotic technology — now an established global standard of care — millions continue to live with chronic pain and disability. Insurance gaps, not medical limitations, remain the biggest barrier preventing patients from accessing life-changing care,” Revival Bone and Joint Hospital Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Milind Patil told reporters at an event organised by Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD).

Robotic joint replacement is no longer experimental, he said, adding that it is an established technolog