Assam's 'Sparsh' Initiative Brings Healthcare to Aged Residents at Home

In Bajali, a small district in lower Assam, the government has launched a comprehensive healthcare programme aimed at providing regular health monitoring and home-based medical evaluations to residents aged above 90. The initiative, called "Sparsh", ensures that elderly citizens receive systematic care and support from healthcare professionals.

Under the programme, district authorities have implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for systematic home visits by health workers, who are equipped with medical devices, including doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff. These teams visit households to evaluate elderly residents requiring special attention.

According to CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, approximately 400 citizens above 90 years were identified under this initiative, ensuring their health assessments at their residences. "A health report is being maintained and special care is being taken to ensure their physical and mental well-being," Sarma said.

The programme has been successful in addressing the challenges faced by elderly citizens, providing medical care at their doorstep. District Commissioner Mridul Kumar Das observed that most residents above 90 were healthy, with several being centenarians.

Senior government officials visited these elderly residents on Dec 31 and Jan 1, delivering letters from the district commissioner and acknowledging their presence. The programme utilises existing government resources, particularly human resources, and was officially launched on Nov 5, 2024, with distinguished guests including Dr Achyut Baishya, principal of Gauhati Medical College & Hospital.

Ashas (Accredited Social Health Activists) and health officials now monitor the health conditions of these elderly residents through online and offline records. The district commissioner acknowledged that by providing basic necessities to super senior citizens, they hope to pass on a message that the present generation has not forgotten them and acknowledges their contribution to society.

"This initiative is leaving no one behind and acting as a strong support for the super senior citizens of the district," Sarma wrote on X.