In what was a significant step forward by the State Government, Assam became the first state in India today to pass a legislation that will give every citizen, “the right to health”.

Under the new guidelines of the 2010 Assam Public Health Bill, which was passed unanimously in the State Assembly today, it will be compulsory for both, government and private hospitals, as well as nursing homes; to provide free health care services to an emergency patient for the first 24 hours, keeping up with the suitable practice of treatment.

It was also announced by the Government that children with holes in their hearts will be provided with free surgery, adding that it will bear costs of about Rs 2.5 lakh on one child’s surgery.

Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the children would be flown for surgery to Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospital, Bangalore, and after the treatment, they would be flown back home as well.

Also, Sarma announced the House that the Assam Government will provide a one-time grant of Rs 1 lakh to patients in need of a kidney transplant.

The plan is expected to commence from April.