STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Altogether 15 infants from underprivileged families suffering from Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) were sent to Kolkata on Tuesday for free treatment.
Free treatment for CHD is an initiative taken by the state government for children between the age group of 0-18 years, who are born with congenital heart defects. The Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) scheme has been effective since July 1, 2010. The guardian of the infant should be a permanent resident of Assam and the annual income should not exceed Rs 6 lakh per annum. According to the scheme, the government bears to and fro air-fare between Assam and Bengaluru/Kolkata for the patient and a guardian, all medical expenses incurred as well as food and lodging expenses during treatment for the patient and a guardian. Abhijit Sarma, Superintendent of the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) said that till date over 8,500 infants and children from the state have been given free treatment for CHD in and outside Assam under the Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) scheme.
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