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Assam provides 24/7 free health care to all people | Assam has become the first state in the country to ensure the right to health to its people. Underprivileged people, who were once unable to afford costly medical
treatment in private clinics, are able do so now. Mridul Saikia of Deeporbeel
village near Guwahati is a farmer. He makes enough to look after his family, but
the thought of a medical emergency and costly treatment used to give him nightmares.
With the introduction of the Assam Public Health Bill - 2010, many like Mridul,
will now get free medical attention, especially in times of emergency. People
in the state especially those living below the poverty line, are happy with the
initiative. "People like us who dwell in villages, often can't get into a nursing
home, because of financial constraints, and by the time we reach a government
hospital, the patient dies," said Mridul Saikia, a resident of Deepborbeel village.
"During an emergency, we can't get into a nursing home, and because of money,
we lose the patient. And to prevent this the Government has taken a right step
and we are happy," he added. "When this was bill was not there, we were forced
to think about a government hospital and to reach there, takes time. In between,
we find private nursing homes, but when we go there, we need a good amount of
money," said Lakhan Teron, another local of the same village. "We have seen in
the village that a family had to sell their land, or give it for mortgage to get
money for treatment, but now we are happy about the fact that in the private hospitals,
we can avail 24 hours free service," he added. According to the Bill, all emergency
patients must be given free standard treatment for the first 24 hours in both
government and private hospitals. The patient may claim compensation, including
transportation cost to the private hospitals, which would be borne by the state
health department in case of non-availability of service at the government hospital.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi reiterated his government's commitment to provide healthcare
to all people. "We are giving priority to education and healthcare. We want to
provide health care services to everyone that is our priority. And yes it is a
very challenging job," Gogoi said. Even private medical institutions also welcomed
the government's step, and said, they would support the Bill "Every organization
and doctor will support it and second what is now said in constitution, government
is aiming to provide it. This is a welcome step, and, I have passed on my message
to the honorable health minister and health department, and all in the non-government
public private sector health organization. We support the bill," said Tamnay Das,
Managing Director, International Hospital . The government will bear all expenses
of surgery conducted on children with holes in their hearts. The weaker segments
of the society , such as daily wage earners and rickshaw-pullers, will get a sustenance
amount during the period they have to take bed rest. The bill also requires the
government to pay Rs 100 and Rs 70 to patients admitted in medical colleges and
civil hospital respectively. The Bill also makes authorities responsible and accountable
in case of epidemics, and contagious, viral and waterborne diseases. "The government
is going to give general medical health for 24 hours. As general public I am happy
as anyone can avail the services and especially for poor people, they can come
anytime and health is wealth," said Azizur Hoq , Assam People of the state have
expressed happiness over the fact that the poorest o the poor can get treated
n super specialty hospitals. "We are happy as government of India has given 24
hours of free medical services. If somebody does not have money, he will get free
treatment. It is good for them," said Surajita. To make this historic step successful,
the Centre has assured the state government about providing the required of funds
for emergency treatment. By January 2011, the underprivileged in Assam will start
getting emergency medical facilities free of cost. |
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