Bista wants to 'adopt' NBMCH; Deb hits back

SNS, SILIGURI, 27 MAY 2023 :Darjeeling's BJP MP Raju Bista today came down heavily on the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is also the health minister, even as he visited the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) and spoke of its "miserable condition."

Talking to media persons, Mr Bista expressed his desire to "adopt" the NBMCH so that he can look after it, and asked if the chief minister can give him such a responsibility in writing.

"I am ready to allot adequate funds to develop its infrastructure from my account of MPLAD Fund. Considering the present situation of the NBMCH, where patients come for admission, more than 50 percent of its capacity, funds from MPLAD should be utilised for the development of this hospital than any other projects like road. I have already proposed the administration, but all, including the CM, are sleeping. Even the DM, SDO, BDO are reluctant,

as their wards go to reputed schools and family members are getting service from better hospitals," Mr Bista said, adding, "If Mamata Banerjee gives me permission in writing, I can look after and supervise it for its development, including free medical treatment and free supply of medicines."

"Doctors and nurses are not adequate, while infrastructure is lacking. Thanks to the doctors and nurses, despite hardships, they are working here well to manage the situation," he added.

Reacting to Mr Bista's comment, Siliguri Mayor Goutam Deb, who is also the NBMCH Patient Welfare Committee Chairman said: "It is unfortunate for me to comment on this. Being an MP he should not have said these. I am sorry about his childish comments. How can he supervise the medical college? What is his locus standi? Does he know how NICED was set up there? What was my role in readying a 15 kattha plot of land for it?"

"There is a super speciality block at the NBMCH. An appliance is imperative, which was scheduled to be installed from Majapfarpur for the treatment of heart patients. But it has not yet been installed. Raju Bista should take initiatives to install it from Delhi. As he is associated with an industrialist's family, he should set up a charitable hospital," Mr Deb said, adding, "Former Darjeeling MP SS Ahluwalia adopted a village Hatighisha. But what is the position of his adopted village at present?"