Assam Healthcare Cooperative

The ‘Health in India 2016’ report which was based on the 71st round of the National Sample (January-June, 2014) reveals that more than 70% spells of ailment were treated in the private sector. The majority rely on savings and many on borrowings and buying medicines for non-hospitalised treatment account for the majority of the cost. The situation has changed little since.

Also, collusive behaviour in healthcare well documented. Evidence from a study conducted in Assam (COHED Project, www.cuts-ccier.org) suggests the frequency of ‘referrals’ for diagnostic tests was very high. A particular diagnostic laboratory is suggested by doctors. In many instances, these tests might not have been necessary. There is a ‘usual practice’ of paying commissions/cuts to the referring doctors by these diagnostic clinics and pathological labs.

Government sector lacks capacity.

The cooperatives worldwide established themselves in various segments of the economy e.g., credit and banking, dairy, marketing, housing, fisheries, fertilisers, handlooms, handicrafts, etc. as successful players. The cooperatives in the healthcare sector in the country are negligible so far. There is no reason why cooperatives can not play a critical role in the health sector too.

The Assam Healthcare Cooperative Society is the first of its kind which is established on the strength of citizens without any government patronage. The cooperative is determined to address some of these problems cited above and be a strong and caring alternative by strategically intervening in the market on the strength of the collective power of its members and well-established principles of cooperative spirit.

Our vision is to develop a model of affordable and people-centred healthcare promoting realistic & evidence-based medicine reducing unnecessary investigations and medicalisation.

Inappropriate medicalisation carries the dangers of the unnecessary labelling, poor treatment decisions, iatrogenic illness, and economic waste, as well as the opportunity costs that result when resources are diverted away from treating or preventing more serious disease. At a deeper level, it may help to feed unhealthy obsessions with health, obscure or mystify sociological or political explanations for health problems, and focus undue attention on pharmacological, individualised, or privatised solutions.

1. Medicalisation: peering from inside medicine, BMJ 2002;324:866
2. Rational, cost-effective use of investigations in clinical practice, BMJ 2002;324:783
3. When Is a Medical Treatment Unnecessary?, by Lisa Rosenbaum, October 23, 2013, The New Yorker

Guided by the cooperative principles, we create a sustainable enterprise and expand securing cooperation and agreement with established providers. We collaborate with other like-minded institutions by sharing resources and the capabilities to attain a competitive advantage over the unscrupulous players to make medical care affordable to as many citizens possible.

The Membership of Assam Healthcare Cooperative brings immense benefits in reducing the out of pocket expenses. As a member of the society, you avail significant rebates, up to 40%, in your treatment and investigation bill at major hospitals, Clinic, and Diagnostic Centres. In addition, get 10-15% rebates on medicine at our partner Pharmacies. Don’t delay – Join Today 8000+ beneficiaries to enjoy the benefits.

You can be a shareholder or a beneficiary member of Assam Healthcare Cooperative. Both enjoy equal welfare benefits, but shareholders are entitled to vote in the annual general meeting (AGM) of the society and eligible to be elected or nominated to the board of directors. You can apply either online or offline to be a beneficiary member. The beneficiary membership fee is Rs. 500 LIFETIME per individual. The fee may be paid in cash in our office or via PayTM to 75759-27130. You will need a recent passport size photo for the ID card.

Apply Online Here or

Download Beneficiary Member Application Form

Currently, you can’t apply online for shares. Please Download the Shareholder Application Form.

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