Strengthening Health Net

West Bengal's silent healthcare overhaul is reshaping access, affordability, and equity — setting an example for public health governance across India

- BAIDYANATH GHOSH DASTIDAR

When we think of political leadership transforming healthcare, we often picture Scandinavian nations or European welfare states. But over the past year, a silent but significant revolution has taken shape in West Bengal—one that deserves national attention. Spearheaded by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the state's public health strategy has pivoted sharply toward accessibility, equity, and digital innovation. And while Bengal's politics often invite sharp divisions, its healthcare achievements from April 2024 to March 2025 make a compelling case for bipartisan praise. At the heart of this transformation lies Swasthya Sathi, a state-funded health insurance scheme now covering a staggering 90 per cent of Bengal's population. That's 2.5 crore families assured of cashless medical care up to Rs 5 lakh per year—an aspiration that many other Indian states are still struggling to meet. What makes Swasthya Sathi especially noteworthy is not just its expansive reach, but its tangible impact. Hospital admissions under the scheme surged to 1.2 crore this year, marking a 15 per cent increase. It's not a paper policy; it's a lifeline being actively used.