Assam government shares key updates on its health and insurance plans

Guwahati: The Assam government has announced the successful implementation of two healthcare schemes, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana and the Mukhya Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana under the Mukhya Mantri Ayushman Yojana, saying they have collectively benefitted 66 lakh families, providing them with insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per year.’

Keshab Mahanta, Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Climate Change, Fisheries and Excise, highlighted the government's commitment to improving healthcare services across the state. He revealed that Rs. 375 crore was sanctioned during a recent cabinet meeting held on July 18 to bolster these initiatives. The aim is to ensure that families can access necessary hospital facilities without financial strain.

Speaking to Business North East, Mahanta mentioned that recently, cancer care hospitals were opened in Guwahati and Dibrugarh, while construction for two more is ongoing in Sibsagar and Tinsukia. "In Jorhat, a hospital is already operational and construction will start soon in Nagaon, and while a hospital is already running in Barpeta, construction will begin in Dhubri shortly. Construction is almost complete in Barak Valley. Additionally, hospitals are present in Tezpur, Mangaldai, and Lakhimpur."

He also stressed the need to build hospitals in district headquarters and not in rural areas as more facilities are available in the urban pockets.

Additionally, the Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF), a collaborative effort between the Assam government and Tata Trusts, has made large strides in establishing cancer care infrastructure, according to Mahanta. Plans are underway to develop a network of 18 comprehensive cancer care hospitals across the state. Currently, eight hospitals are operational, with others in various stages of construction.

Mahanta detailed the financial commitment towards this project, noting that the Assam government has already disbursed Rs 1475 crore, with an additional Rs 200 crore allocated in the recent cabinet meeting. Tata Trusts has contributed Rs 623 crore towards the initiative, with plans to release an additional Rs 1180 crore.

"This joint initiative aims to establish a robust cancer care network that is accessible and affordable, particularly for underserved populations," Mahanta emphasized.