Union Health Ministry, West Bengal Government likely to sign MoU on June 8 for implementation of Central Health Schemes
New Delhi, June 2
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the West Bengal government are likely to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on June 8 for implementing all centre-sponsored health schemes in the state, sources said on Tuesday.
According to sources, the proposed agreement is expected to pave the way for the rollout of multiple Central government health initiatives in West Bengal, including the flagship Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
Sources further indicated that the move comes amid discussions between the Centre and the state government on strengthening healthcare delivery and expanding the reach of public health programmes in West Bengal.
The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare is also expected to visit West Bengal on June 6 in connection with discussions related to the implementation of health schemes in the state.
If the MoU is finalised on June 8, the agreement could mark a significant step towards aligning West Bengal with key national healthcare programmes and enhancing access to Central health benefits for beneficiaries across the state.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday virtually inaugurated a new 100-bed ward at the state-run SSKM Hospital and announced a series of healthcare initiatives, including the expansion of vaccination drives, implementation of the National Health Mission, and the rollout of Ayushman Bharat coverage for over 1.36 crore families in the state.
Addressing the event, he said that the state government would implement the National Health Mission and significantly expand healthcare coverage through the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
"We are going to implement the National Health Mission. We are bringing 1 crore 36 lakh families under Ayushman Bharat. We will recruit more doctors, nurses, technical and non-technical staff," he said.
Highlighting efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, Adhikari said the newly inaugurated 100-bed ward at SSKM Hospital would help address patient load and referral-related issues in the healthcare system.
"In SSKM Hospital, a 100-bedded ward has been opened. To address referral problems in hospitals, we have formed a dedicated team," he said.
The Chief Minister also revealed that the government was working on identifying land for the establishment of an AIIMS-like institution in North Bengal.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some positive news from Bengal's health sector! The 100-bed ward at SSKM and expansion of vaccination drives are much needed. But I hope the state government also focuses on rural primary health centres, not just big hospitals in Kolkata. Government hospitals in districts are in pathetic condition.
This is a classic case of politics over people. Why did it take so long? West Bengal has been fighting with the Centre on health schemes for years. People have suffered. Anyway, better late than never. Hope the AIIMS-like institution in North Bengal also materialises soon, we desperately need better healthcare in the northern districts.
Finally some common sense prevailing! Ayushman Bharat is a lifeline for poor patients who can't afford expensive treatment. 1.36 crore families is a huge number - that's almost half of Bengal's population. Hope implementation is smooth and hospitals don't create hurdles for patients trying to use the scheme. 🙏
Good initiative but I'm skeptical about implementation. We've seen many MoUs signed with much fanfare but ground-level delivery is poor. Will the state government really cooperate with the Centre? Or will there be more political drama? The common man just wants good healthcare, not political one-upmanship.
Wow! 100-bed ward at SSKM and plans for AIIMS-like institution in North Bengal - this is what we need. The health minister visiting Bengal on June 6 is a good sign. But please recruit more doctors and nurses as promised, we can't have patients dying due to shortage of staff. 🙏
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