Assam Launches Ayushman Arogya Mandirs To Deliver Quality Healthcare To Tea Garden Workers

In a significant step towards improving healthcare in Assam’s tea garden areas, the National Health Mission (NHM), Assam, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday (22 January) to upgrade 354 tea garden hospitals into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

This initiative aims to deliver quality healthcare to tea garden workers and their families, addressing long-standing health challenges in these regions.

The event, held in the presence of Assam’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Ashok Singhal, featured other dignitaries, including Ministers Pijush Hazarika, Prashanta Phukan, Rupesh Gowala, and Krishnendu Paul, alongside MLAs and tea estate stakeholders.

Minister Singhal emphasised the government’s commitment to tackling critical health issues such as anaemia, malnutrition, maternal and neonatal mortality, hypertension, and diabetes.

He also highlighted the prevalence of diseases like tuberculosis, leprosy, and diarrhoea due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure and poor sanitation in tea estates.

Several initiatives have been introduced by the Government of Assam to improve health services in tea estates, including Mobile Medical Units, the Wage Compensation Scheme for pregnant women, PPP agreements with tea estate hospitals, the provision of free medicines, patient transport services, and the construction of new hospitals under Assam Tea Corporation Limited, according to Singhal.

The Ayushman Arogya Mandirs will offer comprehensive healthcare services under 12 health packages, including maternal and neonatal care, child and adolescent health, family planning, management of infectious and non-communicable diseases, oral and mental healthcare, emergency medical services, and elderly care.

Facilities will include labour rooms, neonatal emergency units, free medicines, and diagnostic services.

Singhal also highlighted the integration of yoga and wellness activities to promote healthy lifestyles. He urged tea garden owners to prioritise workers’ health, noting that a healthier workforce is essential for a healthier tea garden sector.

With 4,947 health centres in Assam already upgraded to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of accessible and affordable healthcare for all.

The event saw participation from senior officials, tea estate managers, labour representatives, and stakeholders, marking a milestone in Assam’s healthcare transformation.

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