Government Hospital in Assam Introduces Fee for Diagnostic Services for Women with More Than Three Children

No Free Diagnostic Services for Women with More than Three Children: Assam Hospital In a shocking move, the authorities at a government hospital in Assam’s Barpeta district have announced that women with more than three children will no longer be entitled to free diagnostic services. The decision, reportedly taken by Assembly Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass, who is also the president of the hospital’s First Referral Unit, has sparked widespread outrage among local residents and family planning experts. The policy change is expected to affect thousands of women who have relied on the hospital’s free diagnostic services to manage their health..

According to sources, the hospital will now charge women with more than three children a nominal fee of ₹50 for each diagnostic test, effectively making it unaffordable for many of them. The decision has been criticized as a regressive step that undermines access to healthcare for marginalized women. Critics argue that the move is part of a broader campaign to encourage smaller family sizes and control population growth..

However, others point out that this approach will only serve to further marginalize women who are already struggling to access healthcare. This policy is a clear attack on women’s rights and reproductive autonomy, said a local activist, who wished to remain anonymous. By withholding basic healthcare services, the government is essentially asking women to put their lives at risk..

Assembly Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass, however, defended the policy, saying that it was aimed at promoting family planning and population control. We cannot continue to provide free services to people who have already exceeded the recommended family size, he argued. It is our duty to ensure that government resources are used judiciously and efficiently..

Dass also claimed that the policy would help reduce the financial burden on the government. But many experts disagree, pointing out that the policy will actually lead to increased healthcare costs for the government in the long run. By charging women for diagnostic services, we are creating a vicious cycle of poverty and illness, said Dr..

Ramesh, a local physician. This policy will only lead to more complications, which will ultimately require even more expensive treatments. The doctor also noted that the decision would have a disproportionate impact on rural women who have limited access to healthcare..

The policy change has also been criticized by State Health Minister Ashok Singhal, who expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on maternal and child health. I understand that the intention behind this policy is to promote family planning, but I am afraid it will backfire, he said. We should be working to make healthcare more accessible, not less..

Singhal has reportedly asked Dass to reconsider the policy, citing concerns about its feasibility and impact on vulnerable populations. Meanwhile, local residents are bracing themselves for the impact of the policy. Many women with more than three children are now being forced to seek alternative, often more expensive healthcare options..

I have no choice but to take my mother to a private hospital, said one local resident, who declined to be named. We cannot afford to pay ₹50 for each diagnostic test. It’s a huge financial burden for us..

The resident also noted that the policy would push many families into deeper poverty. As the policy gains national attention, there are fears that other states may follow suit. In recent years, several governments have announced policies aimed at reducing population growth and promoting family planning..

However, experts warn that these efforts can have unintended consequences, particularly for marginalized communities. We must prioritize women’s access to healthcare, not restrict it, said a leading family planning expert. By doing so, we can ensure that women are empowered to make informed choices about their health and well-being..

The policy change has also sparked concerns about the implementation of the National Population Policy, 2000, which aims to reduce the country’s population growth rate. Critics argue that the policy fails to prioritize women’s reproductive autonomy and ignores the complex social and economic factors driving population growth. By focusing solely on population control, we are ignoring the root causes of these issues, said the expert..

This approach will only lead to further marginalization and inequality. In response to criticism, the government has promised to provide financial support to women who are unable to afford diagnostic services. However, many experts are skeptical about the effectiveness of this approach..

Financial assistance is not a substitute for the right to healthcare, said Dr. We need to address the systemic issues driving this policy, not just offer Band-Aid solutions. The policy change has also raised questions about the role of Assembly Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass as president of the First Referral Unit..

Critics argue that his leadership of the hospital has led to a culture of bureaucratic inefficiency and lack of accountability. This policy is a classic example of how bureaucratic power can lead to poor decision-making, said a local politician, who wished to remain anonymous. We need to hold our leaders accountable for their actions..

As the policy continues to generate controversy, there are calls for the government to reconsider its stance. We urge the government to prioritize the health and well-being of all women, regardless of their family size, said a coalition of local activists. The activists have also demanded that the government address the systemic issues driving the policy, rather than offering temporary solutions..

In a statement, the government has promised to review the policy and consider the concerns of all stakeholders. However, many experts remain skeptical about the outcome, given the government’s commitment to population control. We will continue to fight for the right to healthcare for all women, said a local activist..

This policy is a clear attack on human rights, and we will not let it stand..