Calcutta High Court Seeks State Gov's Response On Plea Alleging Irregularities In 'Swasthya Sathi' Health Scheme

The Calcutta High Court on Monday sought response from the West Bengal government on the medical services provided under its 'Swasthya Sathi' scheme.  'Swasthya Sathi' scheme is a subsidized state government insurance plan that was launched in the year 2016 and offers health coverage for secondary and tertiary care up to Rs 5 lakh per annum per family. 

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj was adjudicating upon a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition moved by Kunal Saha, a US- based doctor and chairman of the organization People for Better Treatment alleging malpractices and irregularities in the implementation of the scheme. It was contended that many patients did not get any financial assistance despite applying for the scheme. 

Taking cognizance of the grievance raised, the Bench directed the State government to file an affidavit detailing the process adopted for helping people get benefits of the scheme and the number of patients who had failed to get financial assistance even after approaching the health department. 

Advocate General SN Mookherjee apprised the Bench on Monday that the Swasthya Sathi is renewed every year and that the government was bearing the premium of the health scheme it had launched in collaboration with a private insurance company. 

The matter is slated to be heard next on January 19, 2022.

Case Title: People For Better Treatment (PBT) v. State of West Bengal