Mamata Banerjee announces ‘Swasthya Sathi' health scheme for people in West Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday (November 26) announced that the 'Swasthya Sathi’ health scheme of the government will cover the entire population of the state. The decision will be applicable from December 1 and all people in the state, irrespective of their religious affiliation, caste and creed or profession will be covered under the scheme.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday (November 26) announced the ‘Swasthya Sathi’ health scheme for all across the state. The decision will be applicable from December 1 and all people in the state, irrespective of their religious affiliation, caste and creed or profession will be covered under the scheme.

Making the announcement, which came months ahead of the 2021 state assembly election, the West Bengal Chief Minister said that the "Swasthya Sathi health scheme of the government will cover the entire population of the state.’’

"Earlier, we had decided to enroll at least 7.5 crore people under 'Swasthya Sathi'. I am announcing today that every family in West Bengal, every person, be it a child or an old man or woman, irrespective of their religious affinity will be covered under this scheme," she added.

The scheme, officially launched by Mamata Banerjee in December 2016 is a basic health cover for secondary and tertiary care up to Rs five lakh per annum per family.

While slamming the Centre, Mamata Banerjee said, “West Bengal is the most deprived state. The Centre has taken the taxes away from the state. They haven’t given us the GST compensation, they haven’t given us anything to help us fight COVID-19.”

“I have never seen a government where the Union Home Minister is trying to hold municipal elections. Look what is the state of economy and employment has risen manifolds. Always remember there are some people who talk less, work more,” she added.