core sector communique

Government of West Bengal plans to open fair price shops in government premises

CII Eastern Region organized the 7th edition of its annual flagship event Healthcare East with the theme ‘Progress through Partnership” today in Kolkata. Smt Chandrima Bhattacharya, Hon’ble Minister of State, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal mentioned that private sector needs to join hands with the government to enhance the healthcare delivery mechanism of the state especially in the rural region where 73% of the population is dependent on the government for healthcare. She specifically addressed the representatives from foreign countries and pledged support from the government for initiatives with a concern for the society. Smt Bhattacharya affirmed that healthcare is of high priority to the government and the Hon’ble Chief Minister herself looks after its development. She went on to highlight some of the initiatives of the government with private sector like medical colleges, diagnostic facilities, pathological labs and mobile healthcare facilities in Jangalmahal and Sunderban. She divulged plans of fair price shops in government premises that will provide cheap medicine at a high discount rate. She mentioned that on some of the medicine upto 67% of discount by the bidder has been availed. Dr James W Long, Director, INTEGRIS Advance Cardiac Care, USA discussed the social side of medical profession and mentioned that there is need to transform charitable institutions into sustainable organizations with viable business model. He mentioned that the growth of medical tourism in eastern region exhibits the excellent business models applied that make cost effective quality treatment available. He mentioned that the region is endowed with some of the best brains that are willing to engage in improving healthcare in the region. Therefore he urged the need to stop lip service and move towards delivery of affordable healthcare. Mr Sanjay M Wadvani, British Deputy High Commissioner - Eastern India, quoted Danny Boyle to highlight the importance of NHS in UK,“ We believe as a nation in universal healthcare.” He informed about the proposed visit of British health secretary to India that would further help cooperation of UK to improve Indian healthcare system. He also discussed about NHS global that studies the models for implementation of NHS in various countries. He also mentioned that 14 billion pound sterling has been invested in UK 280 healthcare schemes in PPP model. He mentioned that consultancy services from UK can help the Indian healthcare providers that are trying to create a brand in the global healthcare market. Dr Kunal Sarkar, Vice President, Narayana Hrudayalaya highlighted the need for set deadlines in public projects to help the private sector. He also mentioned that the scope of government insurance scheme needs to be increased. He also mentioned that due to the low revenue generation in healthcare in the Eastern Region the governments need to handhold the private sector. Dr Rupali Basu, Chairperson, CII Healthcare Sub Committee (ER) & CEO, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata highlighted on the need for partnership between the government and private sector to bridge critical infrastructure gap and improve healthcare delivery system. Mr R K Agrawal, Chairman, CII (ER), Managing Partner, SR Batliboi & Co also addressed the gathering.