Partha Chatterjee to be transferred to private hospital after Court order, SSKM agrees

Partha Chatterjee, the former Education Minister of West Bengal, is slated to be transferred from SSKM Hospital to a private hospital in Mukundapur after the CBI court issued a directive. The SSKM authorities confirmed that they have no objections to the transfer, which is expected to happen as early as Tuesday. The decision follows a court order, which was based on improvements in Chatterjee's health condition.

According to sources from SSKM Hospital, Chatterjee’s health has shown substantial improvement. His hemoglobin level is reported to be within the normal range, the swelling in his legs has decreased, and the heart-related issues have been brought under control. Medical sources also indicated that his previous breathing difficulties, especially when lying down, have diminished. Despite these advancements, hospital officials have stressed that Chatterjee's condition requires ongoing medical attention and monitoring.

Initially, SSKM Hospital planned to move Chatterjee from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to a regular cabin. However, following his request for a transfer to a private hospital, the authorities at SSKM decided not to retain him. Chatterjee's refusal to comply with certain medical treatments, such as using a CPAP machine and undergoing an HRCT scan, has been a point of contention. SSKM had advised these procedures as part of his treatment plan, but Chatterjee reportedly declined them, leading to strained relations with the hospital staff.

The transfer comes amid a series of legal challenges and high-profile incidents during Chatterjee's hospitalization. In 2022, a Calcutta High Court order prohibited his stay in SSKM’s Woodburn ward due to concerns regarding the judicial process. Chatterjee had been under investigation by the CBI, and the decision to move him from the hospital was intended to avoid any further complications related to his legal case. His transfer is seen as a way to comply with court orders while addressing his health needs.

The CBI court had previously ordered that Chatterjee be transferred to a private hospital at his own expense, with the stipulation that the costs of his treatment would not be borne by state resources. The court also emphasized that the transfer should proceed with the medical authorities' consent, provided Chatterjee’s health was stable. SSKM has submitted a medical report confirming the improvement in his condition, although they have noted that continued care and treatment remain necessary. The authorities are now preparing for the transfer, which is expected to take place once all the logistical arrangements are finalized.