Abhishek Banerjee hosts Doctor's Summit, launches statewide health camps to boost public healthcare

Trinamool Congress (TMC) National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee convened the “Doctors’ Summit 2024” in Amtala on Saturday, bringing together over 1,000 doctors from across West Bengal. The summit was organized to enhance coordination between the state government and medical professionals, addressing recent tensions following protests linked to the RG Kar Medical College incident.

Doctors from various disciplines, including modern medicine and AYUSH, participated. The state government facilitated transportation from key locations such as medical colleges and Howrah and Sealdah railway stations to ensure seamless attendance. Banerjee underscored the importance of collaboration in improving healthcare services and announced major initiatives aimed at expanding access to medical care.

The highlight of the event was the launch of a large-scale health camp initiative across seven constituencies in the Diamond Harbour region starting in January 2024. Each constituency will host health camps for 10 consecutive days. Banerjee revealed that general medicine doctors would operate for seven days, while super-specialists would be available for the remaining three days. These camps will offer services such as routine check-ups, basic blood tests, and portable ECGs, creating a “mobile hospital” framework to deliver healthcare services directly to communities.

Logistical planning for the camps includes at least 40 locations operating daily within each constituency, ensuring widespread coverage. The initiative aims to address gaps in healthcare access, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Banerjee emphasized the use of mobile diagnostic tools to bring essential services to people’s doorsteps, a model tested successfully in the past.

Organizational changes at the summit drew attention. Originally listed as organizers, TMC leaders Shantanu Sen and Sheikh Mirajuddin were later replaced on official invitations by Dr. Abhik Ghosh, a key figure in the party’s healthcare initiatives. Ghosh previously gained recognition for his role in the “Doctors on Wheels” program during the COVID-19 pandemic. The summit marked his formal leadership in this new healthcare drive.

Sheikh Mirajuddin, speaking on behalf of the organizers, highlighted the need for unity and coordination among the party’s medical professionals. “This summit is about clarity and focus on delivering healthcare services effectively,” he said. Planning for the health camps will involve collaboration between doctors, government officials, and logistical support teams to ensure the initiative's success.