Monthly screening at GMCH under Sneha Sparsha

Guwahati: Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the state health, and family welfare minister said that under the Sneha Sparsha scheme, 5 liver transplants, 7689 CHD surgeries, and 50 bone marrow transplants were done. All of these treatments were done free of cost for children below the age of 12 years.

On Saturday, 185 children got registered in the Sneha Sparsha Camp. After the screening, it was found out that there were 122 patients for Thalassemia, 33 for blood cancer, and 3 liver and 10 kidney transplants.

Sarma said that on the 10th day of every month, a special screening will be organised for the people who need government assistance in treatments under the scheme of Sneha Sparsha. This will be conducted at GMCH. He said that under Assam Arogya Nidhi, a sum of Rs. 25.45 crores have been spent on 3662 beneficiaries.

In an event held at the auditorium of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, the health minister said that schemes like Sneha Sparsha and Arogya Nidhi have benefitted people at large.

The Department of Health & Welfare, Government of Assam launched the scheme – Sneha Sparsha, meaning the 'touch of love.' Implemented by National Health Mission (NHM), the scheme was first flagged off on April 15, 2013.

A unique health care initiative, Sneha Sparsha aims to bear the expenses of very high-end treatments for the children below the age of 12 years. The treatments include Kidney and Liver transplant, Cochlear implant, and Bone Marrow transplant.

To avail this scheme, the income of the family should be less than Rs. 2.50 lakh. However, the priority is given to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Anyone who wants to avail of the benefits of the scheme should produce an Income Certificate, issued by the competent authority.

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