Mamata Banerjee asks TMC leaders not to interfere in public health issues

Kolkata: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee told Trinamul Congress leaders that the party should not interfere in allegations of inflated billing or other irregularities in the health sector.

At a party core committee meeting in her Kalighat house Wednesday, she said she will monitor such cases on her own.

“Our chief had said everything related to healthcare will be supervised by her. If there is any allegation of inflated billing or other irregularities, inform the administration. But the party should not be embroiled in health matters,” said a TMC leader who did not want to be named.

The leader said the chief minister is unhappy with some party leaders, who she felt had gone overboard on this issue. “There is no need to be vocal in health matters,” the TMC leader said, quoting Ms Banerjee.

A few days ago, former transport minister Madan Mitra had criticised private hospitals. Mr Mitra had on phone told senior executive of a hospital, Rana Dasgupta, that “after the massive meeting and final warning by the CM, it seems you have not paid any heed. Have you become the ruler of Bengal?”

Referring to Rupali Basu, CEO of the hospital, he said that she always threatened to shut down the hospital and leave the state. “Tell her she can shut down and leave. We don’t mind. It is better for this hospital to leave than run such an expensive crematorium here,” Mr Mitra had said.

The chief minister also reprimanded two doctor-leaders of the party, Nirmal Majhi and Santanu Sen, and asked them to work with unity. In another development, Ms Banerjee appointed Madan Sharma district president of Alipurduar instead of Sourav Chakarborty.

Mr Chakraborty was president of both Jalpaiguri and Coochbehar. He will, however, continue to hold the post of Jalpaiguri district president.