In a bid to address a concerning issue affecting the National Health Mission (NHM) funds in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his intervention to resolve the matter.
Expressing her distress in the two-page letter, Banerjee highlighted the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's decision to withhold fund release for West Bengal under the NHM. This decision was based on the state's alleged non-compliance with specific colour branding guidelines for health and wellness centres, a move that could adversely impact healthcare services for the underprivileged.
The Chief Minister emphasized the detrimental effect of withholding funds, potentially depriving around three lakh individuals daily, who rely on the services provided by approximately 11,000 operational health and wellness centres across the state. She stressed that these centres were constructed according to Bengal's established colour branding standards, adhering to the norms in place since 2011 when the Trinamool Congress assumed power.
Banerjee earnestly urged Prime Minister Modi to intervene swiftly to ensure the immediate release of NHM funds for West Bengal. She urged the removal of specific colour branding conditions imposed on health and wellness centres to prevent the unfortunate consequence of compromised health services for the disadvantaged population.
The Central government's directive specifies that health centre buildings should adopt a metallic yellow hue with a khaki border, a mandate that has created a deadlock in the fund release process.
Highlighting her government's unwavering commitment to the welfare of citizens, particularly the economically vulnerable, Banerjee underscored the state's efforts in offering accessible, quality healthcare at no cost. She cited various initiatives and increased budgetary allocations toward healthcare as proof of their dedication to public health enhancement.
The appeal to the Prime Minister seeks to resolve the funding issue promptly, ensuring continued access to vital healthcare services for the marginalized sections of West Bengal's society.
