Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on April 18 ceremonially launched the cashless mode of the Atal Amrit Abhiyan- the health benefit scheme of the state government.
He termed the scheme “historic” and said that if this scheme is implemented in true letter and spirit, it would prove to be immensely helpful for the poor people of the state.
He also complimented chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and health and family welfare minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for visualising, working and launching the scheme in Assam.
“Since Assam is a comparatively backward state, there is every need to see that the poor people are taken care of, particularly in terms of their health. Since we all know that health is wealth; if we have health, we can acquire wealth but if we have wealth, there is no guarantee that we can get back our health,” said the vice president.
He added that this is an exemplary scheme which seeks to provide access to quality medical care to 3.2 cr people.
Naidu added that modern day lifestyle was leading to an increase in non- communicable diseases with junk food, tobacco and alcohol consumption worsening the situation. To combat this, physical exercise should be made mandatory in all schools. The government of Assam and all other states should make physical exercise and Yoga mandatory in all schools.
This health assurance scheme was launched by the Assam government on December 25, 2016 for the benefit of economically poor people of the state. Under the scheme patients suffering from six critical diseases such as cancer, cardio vascular disease, kidney disorder, neurological conditions, burn injuries and neo-natal complications get monetary assistance upto Rs 2 lakh per individual of the eligible beneficiary family.
The scheme provides for cashless benefits for 438 select treatment procedures under the six disease groups at empanelled hospitals.
Speaking during the occasion, chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal He said that ever since the present State government has assumed power, quality and equitable heath care delivery system has been one of the top priorities and launching and successful implementation of Atal Amrit Abhiyan showed government’s commitment to ensuring health and wealth of the people of Assam.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma said that for a paradigm shift of the health care delivery system in the state the State government would also launch a health scheme Samartha where in 25 birth related defects can be corrected through surgical procedures and the scheme is in advanced stage of its implementation. He also said State government has tied up with Tata Trust where 19 cancer hospitals would be set up in Assam.
