Balurghat, Nov. 5 -- In a twin boost to healthcare infrastructure in South Dinajpur, a dedicated free treatment clinic for children suffering from Type 1 diabetes has been opened at the district hospital, while a long-awaited 10-bed indoor facility has finally started functioning at Badalpur Primary Health Centre in Banshihari after nearly 15 years. Both initiatives were inaugurated by Balurghat MP and Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar, alongside the launch of other healthcare facilities across the district.
The specialised diabetes clinic will provide free insulin and expert medical consultation to affected children up to 12 years of age. The hospital has initially arranged insulin worth around Rs 5 lakh. Paediatric and medicine specialists will identify suspected cases during outpatient consultations and refer them for further investigations and treatment.
"Financial constraints should not prevent any child from receiving treatment. We are introducing improved healthcare facilities in the district even before the medical college becomes operational," Majumdar said.
At Badalpur, the launch of inpatient services has brought relief to residents who previously had to travel nearly 20 km to access hospital admission facilities during emergencies. The centre will initially operate with two doctors, five nurses and 10 beds. Around Rs 13 lakh has been sanctioned for upgrading its existing infrastructure.
"During my earlier visit, local residents raised the long-pending demand for indoor services. We have now been able to fulfil that commitment," Majumdar said. The minister also inaugurated a yoga centre at Bali Hara PHC in Harirampur, a laboratory at Aminpur PHC in Kushmandi and Ayushman Arogya Kendras in Kushmandi and Harirampur through virtual mode.
He said strengthening primary healthcare institutions would reduce unnecessary pressure on district hospitals and medical colleges while ensuring treatment closer to people's homes.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.