Mamata Defends West Bengal's Distinct Health Insurance Program, Calls it 'Exceptional'

Synopsis

On February 20, West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee detailed the unique aspects of the Swasthya Sathi health insurance scheme, highlighting its universal coverage and the absence of income limits, making it a standout initiative in India.

Key Takeaways

Swasthya Sathi provides health insurance without income limitations.
The insurance card is issued in the name of a female family member.
Approximately nine crore residents are covered under the scheme.
14 new medical colleges and hospitals have been established during the current regime.
Critical care units have been set up in all districts.

Kolkata, Feb 20 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, elaborated on Thursday regarding the uniqueness of Swasthya Sathi, the state’s distinctive health insurance initiative, emphasizing its universal accessibility.

"Our Swasthya Sathi scheme offers health insurance without imposing any income criteria on families. Furthermore, the Swasthya Sathi card is issued in the name of a female member within the family. These factors contribute to making the Swasthya Sathi scheme unparalleled in the nation," the Chief Minister stated during the inauguration ceremony of Narayana Health City in the northern suburbs of Kolkata.

This explanation from the Chief Minister comes amidst widespread criticism regarding the implementation of a similar health insurance initiative introduced by the Union government known as Ayushman Bharat.

During her speech, the Chief Minister highlighted that, similar to Swasthya Sathi, a majority of the state government's developmental initiatives are also characterized by their universal approach, devoid of income restrictions for recipients.

According to her, approximately nine crore residents in West Bengal are beneficiaries of the Swasthya Sathi scheme.

"Our administration has instigated a revolution in the state's health sector. We provide medical treatment and medications entirely free of charge. We take immense pride in this achievement," the Chief Minister asserted.

Further, Mamata Banerjee recounted the advancements in the health sector under the present Trinamool Congress administration.

"Since we took office, we have established 14 new medical colleges and hospitals and 42 new super-specialty hospitals in the state. Additionally, 13,392 new health centers have been set up. We have also ensured the availability of critical care units across all districts, a facility that was previously lacking. The establishment of special newborn care units has increased from just six to 71 in the state," the Chief Minister claimed.