AI SummarySneha Sparsha is a healthcare scheme by the Dept. of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of Assam. It gives financial support for the specialized treatment of children suffering from serious medical conditions, so families can manage treatment costs without a heavy burden.
Assam government continues to run this scheme for children with serious ailments. The scheme was flagged off on 15 April 2013 with an allotted fund of ₹5 crore and was relaunched on 30 December 2021 with updated rules. As of 2026, the scheme is open and children up to 18 years of age can apply for support.
Sneha Sparsha - Introduction
Sneha Sparsha, meaning 'touch of love', is implemented by the National Health Mission (NHM), Assam under the Dept. of Health & Family Welfare. It provides financial help for the specialized treatment of children with serious ailments. Earlier the scheme covered children below 12 years of age, but the age limit has now been extended to 18 years and below. Families with an annual income of less than ₹5,00,000 can apply, with priority given to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
Besides the main scheme, the government also runs Snehasparsha Plus, which gives extra support to children with Cerebral Palsy and other neurological disorders. Under this, a one-time amount of ₹50,000 and 36 monthly instalments of ₹2,500 are paid to selected beneficiaries after screening by an Expert Committee.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Sneha Sparsha |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Assam |
| Category | Health & Wellness |
| Nodal Department | Health and Family Welfare Department |
| Implemented By | National Health Mission (NHM), Assam |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Age Limit | 18 years and below |
| Income Limit | Less than ₹5,00,000 per year |
Benefits
Permitted procedures and the maximum amount admissible under the scheme:
| Treatment Procedure | BPL Support | APL Support |
|---|---|---|
| Bone Marrow Transplant | Up to ₹ 10,00,000 | Up to ₹ 10,00,000 |
| Cochlear Implant | Up to ₹ 5,35,000 | Up to ₹ 3,00,000 |
| Liver Transplant | Up to ₹ 16,00,000 | Up to ₹ 10,00,000 |
| Kidney Transplant | Up to ₹ 3,00,000 | Up to ₹ 2,00,000 |
Additional support includes up to ₹1,00,000 for Cosmetic Limbs or ₹2,50,000 for Motorized Artificial Limbs. For Blood Cancer chemotherapy, up to ₹1,00,000 is available. Specialized eye surgery receives ₹15,000. Tumor-related chemotherapy and radiotherapy are covered up to ₹25,000, while related surgeries receive up to ₹50,000. Neurological issues like Hydrocephalus receive up to ₹50,000, and children suffering from Thalassemia receive ₹1,00,000.
Under Snehasparsha Plus, children with Cerebral Palsy and other neurological disorders get a one-time amount of ₹50,000 along with 36 monthly instalments of ₹2,500, subject to selection by the Expert Committee.
Note: The first five procedures listed may involve referral outside the state, while the rest are typically handled within state medical colleges. Actual support amounts are decided through a clear checking process.
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, the following criteria should be met:
- The child must be 18 years of age or below.
- The family must be a resident of Assam.
- The child must be suffering from a serious medical condition covered under the scheme.
- The total annual family income should be less than ₹5,00,000, with priority given to BPL cardholders. In exceptional cases, the income limit may be relaxed after due consideration.
Application Process
STEP 1 - Download the Sneha Sparsha application form from the official NHM Assam website or collect it from the scheme office.
STEP 2 - Fill in the form with the patient and family details and attach the required documents.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed application to the Office of the Mission Director or the Sneha Sparsha Committee at Gauhati Medical College.
STEP 4 - Appear before the Sneha Sparsha Committee with the patient on the notified date for document verification.
STEP 5 - The final selection and approval are handled by the Committee based on the submitted documents.
Documents
Prepare the following required documents before applying:
- Aadhaar Card.
- Birth Certificate of the patient.
- Residential or Domicile proof of Assam.
- Income Certificate issued by a competent authority like a Deputy Commissioner, Circle Officer, or Block Development Officer.
- Photograph of the patient attested by a doctor.
- Relevant medical records such as an OPD advice slip, discharge summary, or doctor's prescription.
References
The official scheme page is available on the Health & Family Welfare Department website of Assam at hfw.assam.gov.in/schemes/sneha-sparsha and on the NHM Assam website at nhm.assam.gov.in/schemes/snehasparsh.
FAQ's
When was Sneha Sparsha announced?
The scheme was flagged off on 15 April 2013 and was officially relaunched on 30 December 2021.
Which department oversees this scheme?
The Dept. of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of Assam manages this scheme, and it is implemented by the National Health Mission, Assam.
Who is eligible for these benefits?
Children up to 18 years of age who reside in Assam and suffer from serious ailments are eligible.
Is there priority given to certain families?
Yes, while families with an income up to ₹5,00,000 are eligible, priority is given to BPL families.
What is the amount for Bone Marrow Transplant?
Financial support of up to ₹10,00,000 is available per case for specialized referral treatment.
What is Snehasparsha Plus?
It is an added part of the scheme that gives a one-time amount of ₹50,000 and 36 monthly instalments of ₹2,500 to children with Cerebral Palsy and other neurological disorders.
Does the scheme cover travel and stay costs?
No, the scheme does not cover costs related to travel or the stay of the patient and family at the referral hospital.
Where should I submit my application?
Submit it to the Office of the Mission Director or the Sneha Sparsha Committee, C/o Gauhati Medical College.