Public-Private Synergy: West Bengal's Healthcare Evolution

The West Bengal government is advocating for enhanced public-private collaboration to improve healthcare services. A focus on medical tourism, robust infrastructure, and schemes like Swasthya Sathi are pivotal. An allocation of Rs 23,000 crore underscores the commitment to advancing healthcare in the state.

The West Bengal government is pushing for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to enhance healthcare services. At the CII Healthcare East conclave, MoS for Health Chandrima Bhattacharya highlighted the importance of optimal public-private synergy to ensure universal healthcare across the state.

Bhattacharya cited the surge in medical tourism as a notable achievement, positioning West Bengal as the second-ranked state in India for foreign tourist arrivals. The state's robust healthcare infrastructure has played an essential role in this success story, serving as the sector's backbone.

Under the state's Swasthya Sathi scheme, 2.5 crore families benefit from free healthcare coverage. Principal Secretary of the Health Department, NS Nigam, revealed that the government has allocated Rs 23,000 crore to the sector for the current fiscal year, reflecting its strong commitment to advancing healthcare services.

(With inputs from agencies.)