Kolkata, May 31 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday said existing hospitals and health centres across the state will be upgraded while four super-speciality hospitals will come up in Purulia, Bankura, West Midnapore and Birbhum to revamp the medical infrastructure.
‘In districts like Purulia, Bankura, West Midnapore and Birbhum, the health infrastructure is poor and I have plans to set up ultra modern hospitals in the districts. I have talked with the people concerned but I cannot reveal now with whom I have talked. I also cannot say about the policies of the hospitals until they are finalised,’ Banerjee told media persons at the state secretariat – Writers’ Buildings.
She also said the government would provide land for these hospitals.
Blaming the former Left Front government for neglecting the health sector, she said her government has come up with short, medium and long-term measures to shore up the sector.
‘What could not be done in 34 years cannot be done in a year. We need time. We have chalked up short, medium and long-term measures to revive the health sector. We need at least five years’ time.’
Banerjee also said that the existing hospitals and health centers down to the block level would be modernised. Most of them are under-staffed so the government will recruit technicians, doctors and other medical staff to provide health facilities properly, she said, adding that all this will be done within a year.
‘We would also be setting up special orthopaedic and neurology hospitals along with special care centres for women. We are in the process of identifying the areas which need emphasis. The people of Bengal who have to go to Vellore and other cities for treatment won’t have to go once our projects come up,’ said Banerjee.
She also said they have plans for beautification of the city.
An inter-ministry meeting was held at Writers’ Buildings for initiating projects for beautification of the city. The meeting was attended by senior railway officials, Kolkata Port Trust Chairman and also by senior officials of Kolkata Municipal Corporation along with senior state government officials.
Banerjee said: ‘RITES, a government enterprise, has been entrusted to prepare a master plan for beautification of the city with in a month. After having the detailed plan, we will hold our next meeting June 30 to chalk out the future course of action.’
