kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, May 30: The state government has announced a series of major reforms aimed at tackling patient referral issues and alleged broker networks in hospitals, along with strengthening the overall healthcare system under schemes including Ayushman Bharat.

The Chief Minister said that a “zero tolerance” policy will be implemented to eliminate unnecessary patient referrals, and strict action will be taken against irregularities in district hospitals. She announced that a live monitoring system will be introduced along with a dedicated control room to oversee hospital functioning across the state.

According to the announcement, the control room at the Health Department will continuously monitor district hospitals to check whether proper medical care is being provided, whether doctors are present, whether patients are occupying beds, and to detect the presence of any middlemen or irregular activities within hospital premises. She added that trained professionals will be assigned to monitor the system in real time.

The Chief Minister also stated that steps have already been taken against officials linked to serious referral-related negligence at Kolkata Medical College, reinforcing the government’s commitment to accountability in healthcare.

To reduce patient load and improve infrastructure, the government will increase the number of hospital beds and ensure transparent recruitment of doctors and healthcare workers based on roster systems. She also announced special regulations for private hospitals that were allotted land by the state at nominal rates, stating that 15% of their beds must be reserved for economically weaker sections.

She further said that if government hospitals are unable to accommodate patients due to high demand, private hospitals will be required to admit referred patients and provide treatment, including free medical services under government directives.

On the implementation of Ayushman Bharat in the state, the Chief Minister said that the Centre has allocated ₹976 crore for the current year. She added that around 1.36 crore families and nearly 6 crore people in the state will soon be covered under the scheme, which provides health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh across India.

She also stated that migrant workers from the state will be able to avail benefits of the scheme while working in other states. Under the initiative, government hospitals in the state will be renamed as “Ayushman Mandir,” and essential medicines will be made available at significantly reduced prices.

The government also announced the rollout of 467 Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the state, which will provide affordable medicines. Additionally, cancer and other critical illness drugs under the AMRIT scheme will be made available with up to 30% subsidy.

The state has also decided to implement the National Health Mission from this year following discussions with the Union Health Ministry, with ₹527 crore already received out of the ₹2,103 crore allocated by the Centre.