The Assam Cabinet approved Rs. 190 crore to implement the ‘State Government Budget for Free Drugs Services’ initiative, marking a major step in improving public health care. In order to lessen the financial burden of medical treatment for the residents, free medications will be distributed throughout the state in government hospitals and health facilities. On April 4, the decision was made during a weekly cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The program attempts to address the rising out-of-pocket medical expenses that many individuals, particularly those in underprivileged and rural areas, must pay. According to Health Minister Ashok Singhal, the state’s health department has established a helpline for patients to conveniently obtain medication at government health centers or hospitals. Speaking during a news conference, Singhal stated that 99 percent of the medications that physicians often recommend are found at government hospitals and that patients do not need to buy them from the marketplace.
Singhal went on to say, “Any patient who is admitted to a government hospital and does not receive the prescribed medication can dial 986451430 to obtain the drugs.” Another noteworthy event is that the Assam Cabinet has approved a 2% DA boost for state government employees and pensioners. A 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) was approved by the cabinet, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared. According to CM Sarma, the DA raise will take effect retroactively on January 1, 2025.
