Darjeeling, May 24 -- The long-pending demand for a medical college in Kalimpong has moved a step closer to reality, with the West Bengal government deciding to forward a proposal for the project to the Centre. Darjeeling MP Raju Bista welcomed the development and thanked Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for taking up the matter on a priority basis.
On Saturday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, addressing the press, had stated: "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated that every district should have a medical college and hospital. Accordingly, we will be sending a proposal along with details of land allotted to the Union Health Ministry regarding the establishment of medical college and hospitals at Kalimpong, Alipurduar, South Dinajpur and West Bardhaman districts that do not have medical colleges and hospitals in West Bengal. Similarly, I will talk to the MLAs and MPs and then send a proposal for the establishment of AIIMS in North Bengal at the earliest."
In a statement, Bista said that shortly after the formation of the new state government, he had written to the Chief Minister urging him to expedite the establishment of a medical college in Kalimpong. In his letter dated May 10, Bista highlighted the region's inadequate healthcare infrastructure and requested the upgradation of the Kalimpong District Hospital into a medical college.
Referring to correspondence received from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bista noted that state governments had been asked to submit proposals under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) along with detailed project reports for consideration. He alleged that despite repeated follow-ups over the years, the previous state administration had not forwarded any proposal for a medical college in Kalimpong.
In the letter, the MP pointed out that residents of the Darjeeling Hills often have to travel considerable distances for specialised treatment, with the nearest tertiary-care facility being the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital. Travel from remote hill areas can take several hours and becomes even more difficult during the monsoon season when landslides and road disruptions frequently occur.
"A medical college in Kalimpong will greatly strengthen healthcare delivery in the region and provide much-needed relief to the people of the Hills," Bista stated in his appeal to the Chief Minister. Welcoming the government's decision, the MP expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for responding positively to the demand.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.