Kolkata: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari held his first meeting with health officials after assuming office at IPGMER & SSKM Hospital on Friday to discuss improving healthcare services in the state. Sources revealed that the meeting was a brainstorming session focused on enhancing patient care across Bengal.
Key Proposals Discussed
The meeting covered several key proposals, including achieving zero patient refusal in government hospitals, zero tolerance for touts, setting up a control room at Swasthya Bhawan to monitor real-time bed vacancies in all government hospitals, and an app-based ambulance service system to eliminate tout interference. Additionally, the feasibility of seamless patient referrals from state hospitals to central government-run hospitals like ESI during bed shortages, as well as referrals to private hospitals or private medical colleges, was discussed. Many private facilities have agreements with the government to provide 10% to 15% free beds. Health officials are expected to trace such agreements to ensure they are implemented in letter and spirit.
Statements from Health Officials
"We have been drawing up a blueprint to improve healthcare services across government and private hospitals. Some of these pointers were discussed, and talks will continue," said oncologist Sharadwat Mukerjee, BJP MLA from Bidhannagar. Other issues included better security for doctors, healthcare workers, and students on hospital premises, laminated ID cards for healthcare workers, and colour-coded bands for patients and relatives to prevent unauthorized persons from entering hospitals.
"It was a fruitful discussion, and we expect it to be followed by a series of meetings to plan and work on the proposals. There are eight doctor MLAs in this government, and we can expect more focus on healthcare," said oncologist Indranil Khan, BJP MLA from Behala West.
Attendees and Next Steps
Both Mukherjee and Khan arrived at IPGMER & SSKM with Adhikari on Friday evening. Principal health secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam, other health secretaries, and key officials, including the DME and DHS, attended the meeting. Medical colleges were represented by administrators, including principals and MSVPs. Sources said officials from Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute also participated. "The CM also told health officials to escalate all developmental projects, like the Cancer Care Hub at SSKM," said an official. Sources indicated that the next meeting between government representatives and health officials will be held at Swasthya Bhawan on Monday.
