E-redressal of healthcare grievances soon: Mamata

Amitava Banerjee, MP | 28 March 2017 | Kolkata : West Bengal will soon have a online redressal system pertaining to healthcare. The tech savvy Chief Minister announced this in Jalpaiguri on Tuesday following a meeting with representatives of private nursing homes. Jalpaiguri will also be getting a new Medical College.

"We are coming up with a website through which online complaints related to health services can be registered. The website is expected to be operational in the next 7 days. A sensitization programme will also be launched so that public utilize this E-service," Banerjee said.

Along with E complaints, grievances pertaining to healthcare in the districts will be looked after by the respective District Magistrate and the Health Regulatory Commission.

With complaints pouring in on the quality of healthcare services being provided by the private sector in the state including inflated bills, refusal to treat accident victims, and holding on to bodies over non-payment, the government decided to crack the whip and hold private nursing homes accountable.

 A Bill was passed in the State Assembly to regulate private health care system following which the state government set up a 13-member health regulatory commission to watch over the health care system of West Bengal. Justice Ashim Kumar Roy, a sitting judge of Calcutta High Court is the chairman of the commission.

The CM on Tuesday also announced the formation of a committee to keep tabs on private health care in Jalpaiguri district. The committee will be headed by the District Magistrate, Jalpaiguri. There are 25 nursing homes operational in Jalpaiguri.

In stark contrast to Kolkata there was not a single complaint against nursing homes in Jalpaiguri at Tuesday's meeting. "There are no complaints against the Jalpaiguri Nursing Homes. I extend my gratitude. However, my appeal is that packages that include bed charges should be prepared.

Services should be provided at minimal cost. Do not ignore patients who are from less affluent backgrounds. Services have to be extended to patients who have monetary problems also" was the CM's message.

The CM directed the Super of the Jalpaiguri District Hospital to add on new services at the Government speciality hospital at Jalpaiguri. "The District Magistrates of all the districts will hold monthly review meetings with the respective Chief Medical Officers of the district" Banerjee added.