CM Banerjee Alleges Misuse of Swasthya Sathi Funds amid RG Kar Protests, warns of strict action

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently announced that her government is investigating a sudden surge in expenses under the Swasthya Sathi health insurance scheme during the junior doctors' protests and strike that followed the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The Swasthya Sathi scheme, a flagship program of the state government, provides health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary healthcare. During a meeting with the protesting junior doctors, CM Banerjee revealed that the state had witnessed a significant increase in expenses under the scheme during the period of the protests. This surge has prompted an investigation into the potential misuse of the scheme.

Also Read: From where are you getting so much money? TMC Minister questions agitating junior doctors

As per the recent media report by The Week, while responding to a question raised by Samir Kumar Jana in the assembly during the ongoing winter session, the chief minister stated, “During the RG Kar incident, there were instances of misuse of the Swasthya Sathi cards, and we have gathered evidence to support this. The Swasthya Sathi fund is not for personal benefit. It is public money meant for the people.”