In a major push to reform the state’s healthcare system, newly appointed Health Minister Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay announced a series of initiatives aimed at improving accessibility and reducing pressure on government hospitals.
Highlighting the persistent challenges of bed shortages and overcrowding in public healthcare facilities, the minister revealed a key proposal under which patients will no longer be turned away due to lack of beds. Instead, they will be transferred to nearby private hospitals, where treatment will be provided entirely free of cost.
The initiative will be implemented in collaboration with private healthcare providers. Earlier on Thursday, the minister held meetings with several leading private hospitals in Kolkata, where the framework for the plan was discussed and finalised.
According to the proposal, private hospitals across both urban and district areas may be required to reserve at least 10 percent of their total bed capacity for general patients referred from government hospitals. The Health Department believes this step will significantly ease the burden on state-run facilities and ensure timely medical care for patients.
In a notable move to simplify access, the minister clarified that patients will not need a Swasthya Sathi card or any other government scheme card to avail of the service. Instead, an Aadhaar card will be sufficient as proof of identity.
Mukhopadhyay acknowledged that while the number of patients in government hospitals continues to rise, infrastructure expansion has not kept pace, often resulting in patients being denied admission and facing severe hardship. Under the new system, all necessary formalities will be completed at the government hospital before patients are transferred to private facilities.
He assured that the state will bear the full cost of treatment, including medicines, reiterating that ensuring access to healthcare is a top priority for the government.
Criticising the previous administration, the minister said that the healthcare system had suffered from various irregularities in the past. “We are now striving to build a healthcare service based on transparency and accountability. Ensuring access to medical care for the people is our top priority,” he stated.
However, he noted that the scheme would require certain administrative and legal preparations before rollout and will therefore be implemented in phases. As part of the broader reform package, the government will also introduce a toll-free helpline to assist patients and conduct awareness campaigns across the state.
Health sector observers believe that if implemented effectively, the initiative could significantly reduce overcrowding in government hospitals and ensure that patients receive prompt treatment, particularly in emergency situations.
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