Assam hospital ends free diagnostics for women with more than three children
A government hospital in Assam's Barpeta district has announced that from July 1, it will no longer provide free diagnostic services to women who have more than three children or are expecting a fourth child. The decision was made by the management committee of the First Referral Unit (FRU) in Barpeta Road town.
State Assembly Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass, who is also the local MLA and president of the hospital's management committee, made the announcement on Monday. He stated that the move is necessary to uphold the state's population policy. "Otherwise, our population policy will be defeated," he said.
Mr. Dass added that he has advised Health Minister Ashok Singhal to implement a similar system across all government healthcare facilities in Assam. The decision comes after the installation of a modern ultrasound machine at the FRU.
The Assam government had previously amended its population policy in December 2025 to reinforce a two-child norm for government jobs, self-help groups, and electoral participation. The amendment, notified by the Health and Family Welfare Department, aims to curb population growth, promote maternal health, and eliminate early marriage.
However, the policy allows certain communities to have up to three children without losing access to government benefits and jobs. These communities include Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Tea Garden Tribes, and the Mataks and Morans.
The restriction on free diagnostics at the Barpeta hospital has sparked debate. Critics argue that it may disproportionately affect women from poorer backgrounds who rely on government hospitals. Supporters, including Mr. Dass, contend that it is a necessary measure to encourage smaller families and ensure sustainable resource use.
The hospital's management committee has not yet clarified whether the restriction applies to all diagnostic services or only to those funded by the government. Further details are expected as the July 1 implementation date approaches.
