Part 10: Specialist & Super-Specialty Care for Free

The most expensive treatments — cancer, heart surgery, kidney dialysis, brain surgery — are exactly where free healthcare matters most. Here is how to access them in Bhubaneswar without going bankrupt.

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1. Cancer Treatment

Free/Subsidized Options:

• AIIMS Bhubaneswar — Departments of Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, and Radiation Oncology. Has a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) for radiation therapy. Treatment is heavily subsidized.
• Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer (AHPGIC), Cuttack — The premier government cancer hospital in Odisha (~30 km from Bhubaneswar). Treatment is nearly free for BPL/BSKY cardholders.
• BSKY at Private Hospitals — KIMS, SUM, and Care Hospital all offer cancer packages under BSKY. Chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation are covered cashless.

What’s covered under BSKY for cancer?

• Chemotherapy (all cycles)
• Radiation therapy
• Surgical removal of tumours
• Diagnostic biopsies, PET-CT scans
• Post-operative follow-up

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2. Cardiac (Heart) Care

Free/Subsidized Options:

• AIIMS Bhubaneswar — Full cardiac care including angiography, angioplasty, bypass surgery (CABG), and valve replacement. Subsidized rates.
• BSKY at Private Hospitals — Angioplasty packages (₹1.2-1.5 Lakh), bypass surgery packages (₹2-3 Lakh), pacemaker implantation are all covered cashless.
• Capital Hospital — Basic cardiac diagnostics (ECG, Echo) are free under NIDAN. Complex cases are referred to AIIMS or BSKY private hospitals.

3. Kidney (Nephrology) & Dialysis

Free Dialysis:

• Capital Hospital — Free dialysis for eligible patients.
• AIIMS Bhubaneswar — Subsidized dialysis sessions.
• BSKY Private Hospitals — Dialysis sessions are covered under BSKY packages. Most empanelled hospitals offer 2-3 sessions per week.

Kidney Transplant:

• Covered under BSKY at empanelled hospitals (SUM, KIMS).

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4. Neurosurgery & Brain/Spine Care

• AIIMS Bhubaneswar — The best option for complex neurosurgery. Has a dedicated Department of Neurosurgery with experienced faculty.
• BSKY — Brain tumour surgery, spinal cord surgery, and trauma neurosurgery packages are available at empanelled private hospitals.

5. Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement

• Government Hospitals — Fracture treatment, plating, and basic orthopaedic surgery are free at Capital Hospital and Hi-Tech Medical College.
• BSKY — Knee replacement and hip replacement packages are covered at SUM, KIMS, and Kalinga Hospital. These surgeries typically cost ₹2-4 Lakh in the private market but are cashless under BSKY.

6. Eye Care (Ophthalmology)

• Capital Hospital & AIIMS — Cataract surgery is free or heavily subsidized at both hospitals.
• BSKY — Cataract surgery, retinal detachment repair, and glaucoma surgery are covered at private eye hospitals.

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The Strategy for Expensive Treatment

1. Get diagnosed at a government hospital (free OPD + free diagnostics under NIDAN).
2. Check if the treatment is available at the government hospital (AIIMS or Capital Hospital). If yes, get treated there (free or subsidized).
3. If not available or the wait is too long, use your BSKY card to go to an empanelled private hospital (cashless up to ₹5-10 Lakh).
4. If the cost exceeds BSKY limits, apply for the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) or contact the hospital’s Social Welfare Officer for additional financial assistance.

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Next: Part 11 — Maternity, Child Health & Women’s Healthcare