Guwahati: Assam health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today said that on the 10th of every month, there will be a special screening camp to identify children who need help under the 'Snehasparsh' scheme of the State Government. Sarma also said that under the Assam Arogya Nidhi, the Government of Assam has disbursed ₹25.45 crore to as many as 3,662 beneficiaries.
"Feel humbled to recall that during my tenure as Health Minister we could complete 7689 CHD surgeries, 5 liver transplants and 50 bone marrow transplants free of cost for children below 12 years," Sarma wrote in a tweet today, stating the success of the scheme meant specifically for children.
At an event held at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Sarma spoke at length about the 4 key health schemes: the Assam state government's Snehasparsh, Assam Arorogya Nidhi, and the PM Modi's Atal Amrit Abhiyaan and Ayushman Bharat schemes.
The Minister spoke about how the implementation of these schemes has made medical treatment very affordable to the people of the state. Sarma said how, under these schemes, the lion's share of the medical expenses of the classes is being borne by the government.
What is the Snehasparsh Scheme?
'Snehasparsh' is an initiative for Children below 12 years of age launched by the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Assam. The scheme, being implemented by NHM, Assam, was flagged off on 15th April 2013, the first day of Assamese New Year, with an allotted fund of Rs 5 Crore for the Fiscal Year 2012-13.
Who is eligible for availing this scheme?
Families with annual income less than Rs. 2.50 lakh are eligible for availing the benefits under this scheme. Priority is given to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) scheme.