GUWAHATI, Sept 7 - �Providing quality healthcare to the poorest of the poor of society is a prime commitment of the State government and we are well on our way to fulfil this dream where everyone in society would get an opportunity to live a life with dignity.� Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said this today while taking part as the chief guest in the cheque distribution ceremony of the Atal Amrit Abhiyan to the beneficiaries at the Khanapara playground of the College of Veterinary Sciences here. Altogether 6,093 beneficiaries received the cheques, said an official press release here this evening.
Atal Amrit Ahiyan is a unique health assurance scheme launched by the State government on December 25, 2016 for the benefit of economically poor people. Under the scheme, patients suffering from six critical diseases such as cancer, cardio-vascular diseases, kidney disorder, neurological conditions, burn injuries and neo-natal complications would get monetary assistance up to 2 lakh rupees.
Terming the Atal Amrit Abhiyan scheme a revolutionary initiative which would bring succour to the underprivileged section of society in fighting critical diseases, Sonowal appreciated the health and family welfare department and the National Health Mission for turning such a scheme into a reality in record time.
Asserting that the opening of the Cancer Hospital in the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital has displayed the government�s commitment in bringing positive change to the people�s lives, Sonowal said new medical colleges being built in places such as Dhubri, Nagaon and Lakhimpur, would boost the State�s healthcare system in a big way.
Chief Minister Sonowal said that Atal Amrit Abhiyan, named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who took many steps to develop the State and the northeastern region during his tenure, is a manifestation of feelings of compassion towards fellow human beings so that everyone can live a life with dignity. He also urged the people to come forward spontaneously to take advantage of Atal Amrit Abhiyan scheme and join the government in spreading awareness about it.
Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the government has taken key measures for social security of all sections of society. He talked about the �Pranam� bill of the government, which would mandatorily make government employees take care of their aged parents, as, upon receiving a complaint of neglect from the parents, 15 per cent of the employee�s salary would be given to the aged parents and 10 per cent to the Dibyang and unmarried siblings.
Informing that Atal Amrit Cards would be activated from December 25, 2017, Sarma said that till December 24, 2017, all medical expenditures incurred by patients from today would be eligible for reimbursement. Saying that Rs 150 crore has been allotted in the State Budget for the scheme, Sarma urged the media to play an active role in spreading awareness so that people can take full advantage of Atal Amrit Abhiyan.
Under the scheme, 3,459 cancer patients, 1,060 patients with cardio-vascular diseases, 881 patients with kidney problems, 606 patients with neurological problems, 52 patients with burn injuries and 35 patients with neo-natal diseases were given cheques.
