Kolkata: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee reminded on Tuesday that every private hospital in the state is bound to accept Swasthya Sathi. Those failing to do so will face a show-cause, and at times even suspension of licences, she warned.
"Someone complained to me that a private hospital in Barasat said they would accept only Rs 2 lakh under Swasthya Sathi and that the remaining amount had to be paid out of pocket. But why? The scheme covers Rs 5 lakh. How do you expect the poor to pay cash? It is not that you are doing it for free; you are getting paid. I immediately instructed Narayan (health secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam) to issue a show-cause or cancel their licence," said Banerjee at Swasthya Bhawan during the inauguration of 110 self-sufficient mobile medical units.
The CM said why she planned Swasthya Sathi and free treatment for the poor. "When I was in the Opposition, I saw people dying while waiting for hospital admission. I felt that poor must get free healthcare. Today, that vision has become reality. At our state hospitals, treatment is free, and even generic medicines are provided," said Banerjee.
She claimed that the past 14 years of Trinamool in office has "revolutionised the state's healthcare system".
"During Left rule in Bengal, the govt's health budget was Rs 3,500 crore. After we came, it was increased to Rs 21,500 crore. Under Swasthya Sathi, a provision of Rs 5 lakh has been made. Through this, 2.5 crore families, a total of 8.7 crore people, receive benefits," said Banerjee.
The CM, without naming the ongoing SIR process, made a fleeting reference to it, stating that birth certificates were a rarity earlier before the present govt increased institutional deliverance.
"During our time, there were hardly any institutional births. I myself was born at home, like most others back then. Our education certificates often became our birth certificates. Atalji is no longer with us. One day, I asked him, ‘Atalji, were you born on the same day as Jesus Christ, on Dec 25?' He replied, ‘No, Mamata Di, that is not my real birthday.
Whatever date my parents registered officially became my birthday.'
I told him mine was the same, and not to call me on my ‘official' birthday," said the CM.
Upon returning from N Bengal on Tuesday, she visited Swasthya Bhawan and inaugurated 110 fully-equipped mobile medical units with the goal to deliver high-quality healthcare services to remote areas. These units, Mobile Medical Units, are self-sufficient with doctors, nurses, and technicians, and equipped with necessary tools and medicines.
They will offer 35 tests free of cost. The state will spend Rs 30 crore yearly for their operations, said Banerjee.
"I have used Rs 60 crore from the Rajya Sabha MP's MPLAD funds for this project," said Banerjee.
Highlighting the govt's efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, Banerjee stated that 14 new govt medical colleges have been established, with 700 billion rupees spent on healthcare infrastructure improvements.