Karnataka includes root canal treatment under Ayushman Bharat-Arogya Karnataka scheme

Karnataka includes root canal treatment in the Ayushman Bharat-Arogya Karnataka scheme to enhance dental care access and affordability.

In a move aimed at improving access to dental care and reducing avoidable tooth loss, the Karnataka government has approved the inclusion of root canal treatment (RCT) under the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana-Chief Minister’s Arogya Karnataka (AB PMJAY-CM’s ArK) scheme.

A Government Order (GO) issued on April 8 provides for the addition of specific procedure codes for root canal treatment under the Dental and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery specialty of the scheme.

Root canal treatment is undertaken to treat infection or inflammation of the dental pulp. If left untreated, it can spread to surrounding tissues, leading to complications such as abscess formation and eventual tooth loss.

Officials said the decision is expected to benefit a large number of patients who currently opt for tooth extraction due to the high cost of root canal treatment and limited awareness about tooth-preserving procedures.

The order includes two categories — root canal treatment for anterior teeth and posterior teeth — which have been classified as Complex Secondary Procedures (2B) under the scheme.

The Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST), the nodal agency that facilitates the scheme, has been directed to adopt Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) Tier-3 (non-NABH) rates. Accordingly, the package rate has been fixed at ₹1,360 for anterior teeth and ₹2,040 for posterior teeth, inclusive of all consumables and procedure-related costs.