Kolkata: Nine BJP MLAs, all of whom are medical professionals, visited the state health headquarters in Salt Lake on Monday with the objective of enhancing healthcare delivery and the medical education system in West Bengal. According to sources, these MLAs were designated as envoys by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to collaborate with health officials in transforming the state's healthcare system.
Key Issues Discussed
The delegation addressed several critical issues, including the need for a transparent and fair education system, revised transfer policies, and the submission of a comprehensive proposal to the principal health secretary. The discussions emphasized zero tolerance for corruption and nepotism, merit-based posting of senior residents, transparent posting policies for senior doctors, strengthening health infrastructure, ending the so-called 'syndicate Raj', and filling vacancies for doctors, nurses, technicians, and group D staff. Additionally, they highlighted the importance of fair recruitment procedures and transparency in the procurement of equipment and other hospital essentials.
Proposals Submitted
Oncologist Sharadwat Mukherjee, BJP MLA from Bidhanangar, stated, "We discussed four broad verticals encompassing medical education, health services, junior doctors and medical students, and private sector hospitals and medical colleges. We submitted a number of proposals." Sources revealed that one proposal called for strictly adhering to merit-based counselling for the posting of senior residents. The previous government had discontinued merit-based counselling a few months ago, leading to a significant number of senior residents quitting their positions.
Oncologist Indranil Khan, MLA from Behala West, said, "The Chief Minister directed us to help keep hospitals, healthcare delivery, and medical education free from corruption, nepotism, and syndicate Raj." Orthopaedic surgeon Arup Kumar Das, MLA from Singur, described the meeting as "fruitful."
According to sources, the proposals are expected to reach the Chief Minister's office by Wednesday. The meeting was attended by principal secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam and other officials.
