The scheme “Assam Arogya Nidhi (AAN)” was launched by the Health & Family Welfare Department, Govt. of Assam to provide financial assistance to BPL families and families having an annual income of less than ₹5.00 Lakhs. This financial assistance is provided for the general and specialized treatment of:
- Life-threatening diseases such as heart diseases and heart surgery, cancer, kidney and urinary diseases, orthopedic issues, thalassemia, bone marrow transplant, AIDS, and chronic mental illness requiring surgical treatment; and
- Injuries caused by natural and manmade disasters, including industrial, farm, road, rail accidents, bomb blasts, etc.
Beneficiaries are selected by a notified Selection Committee. Under the AAN, the Government of India contributes 50% of the funds sanctioned by the State Government.
Grant of Assistance
- Direct Sanction by the Chief Minister:
The Chief Minister of Assam may directly grant permission for the maximum benefits available under AAN. - Approval by the Chairperson:
The Chairperson of the Committee can approve grants up to ₹2.00 Lakh against eligible cases. - State Level Committee:
For financial assistance above ₹2.00 Lakh and up to ₹3.00 Lakh, a State Level Committee will decide on the eligible cases.
Mode of Disbursement
Financial assistance will be disbursed to the beneficiary or reimbursed to the hospital via bank account transfer only. An advance payment, up to a maximum of ₹3.00 Lakh, may be made directly to the hospital.
Benefits
Under this scheme:
- Financial Assistance: Beneficiaries can receive financial support up to a maximum benefit of ₹3.00 Lakh.
- Coverage of Serious Diseases: Any serious disease requiring surgery, implants, or procedures (including Bone Marrow Transplant or other critical treatments) and serious accident cases are covered.
- Hospital Network: The assistance applies for treatments in all government hospitals (including medical colleges and tertiary health care facilities), all reputed private hospitals registered under the Clinical Establishment Act, and empanelled hospitals under Government of Assam, AAA (Atal Amrit Abhiyan), and PMJAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana).
Eligibility
- Citizenship & Residency:
All Indian citizens who are ordinarily resident in the State of Assam are eligible. - Family Income:
The family income of the applicant should be less than ₹5.00 lakhs per annum. - Age Limit:
There is no age limit for coverage under the scheme. - Exclusions:
Government employees, government pensioners, and their family members are not eligible. - Treatment Requirement:
Treatment must be undertaken in any government hospital (including Government Medical Colleges) or reputed private hospitals registered under the Clinical Establishment Act, either in the state or anywhere in the country.
Application Process
Offline Application Steps:
- Download Application Form:
Visit the official website of National Health Assam (nhm.assam.gov.in/schemes/assam-arogya-nidhi) and download the application form PDF. - Submit the Application:
Complete the form in the prescribed format and submit it to NHM, Assam or to the Joint Director of Health Services of the respective district, who will forward it to NHM, Assam for consideration. - Expert Committee Verification:
An Expert Committee comprising specialist doctors from Guwahati Medical College verifies the applications and recommends eligible cases. - Disbursement:
Based on the committee’s recommendations, financial assistance is provided to eligible beneficiaries, preferably through direct bank transfer.
Important Notes:
- A person holding a PMJAY or AAA card should first avail of the cashless treatment benefit under those schemes before applying for AAN.
- Those not holding a PMJAY/AAA card or whose disease is not covered under those schemes may directly submit their application.
- AAN assistance is intended for exceptional cases rather than general treatment.
Documents Required
- Photograph: A recent photograph of the patient, attested by a doctor.
- Income Certificate: Attested photocopy of the income certificate by the Revenue Circle Officer.
- Identity & Address Proof: Attested photocopy of any valid document (Voter ID, Aadhaar Card, Driving License).
- Medical Bills: Original bills, vouchers, receipts, etc.
- Medical Documents: A copy of the medical documents related to the treatment, certified by the treating doctor or hospital.
- Discharge Summary/Prescription: Attested copy.
- Bank Details: Attested photocopy of the first page of the bank passbook.
- PMJAY/AAA Card: Attested photocopy of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogyua Yojana (PMJAY) or Atal Amrit Abhiyan (AAA) card.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the “Assam Arogya Nidhi Scheme”?
It is a financial assistance scheme for BPL families and families with an annual income of less than ₹5.00 Lakhs, aimed at covering costs for treatment of life-threatening diseases and injuries due to accidents and disasters. -
How much financial assistance will be provided under the scheme?
Assistance is provided up to a maximum of ₹3.00 Lakh. -
What type of diseases are covered under the scheme?
The scheme covers life-threatening diseases such as heart conditions, cancer, kidney and urinary diseases, orthopedic issues, thalassemia, bone marrow transplants, AIDS, chronic mental illness requiring surgery, and serious accident-related injuries. -
In which hospitals is the financial assistance admissible?
Assistance is available for treatment in all government hospitals (including medical colleges), reputable private hospitals registered under the Clinical Establishment Act, and empanelled hospitals under government schemes like AAA and PMJAY. -
Who selects the beneficiary?
Beneficiaries are selected by a notified Selection Committee. -
Who are the members of the Selection Committee?
The committee is notified by the Government of Assam and comprises specialist doctors and relevant health officials. -
Is it a 100% state-sponsored scheme?
No, the Government of India contributes 50% of the funds sanctioned by the State Government. -
Who is eligible under the scheme?
All Indian citizens ordinarily resident in Assam, with a family income below ₹5.00 Lakhs per annum, and who are not government employees or pensioners, are eligible. -
Is this scheme only for residents of Assam?
Yes, the scheme is exclusively for the residents of the State of Assam. -
What is the age limit to apply for the scheme?
There is no age limit for coverage under the scheme. -
Can a government employee or pensioner apply for the scheme?
No, government employees, government pensioners, and their family members are not eligible. -
Where can I get the application form?
The application form can be downloaded from the National Health Assam website. -
How can I apply under the scheme?
Applications must be submitted offline in the prescribed format to NHM, Assam or the respective Joint Director of Health Services, with subsequent verification by an expert committee. -
How will the financial assistance be provided to eligible beneficiaries?
The funds will be disbursed via direct bank transfer, or the payment will be reimbursed to the hospital through bank transfer, with an advance payment made directly to the hospital (subject to a maximum of ₹3.00 Lakh).