Swasthya Sathi funds misused at Kolkata Medical College! Authorities switch to bank transfers

Allegations of corruption have surfaced at Kolkata Medical College, where funds allocated under the Swasthya Sathi scheme, intended to assist patients with transport costs upon discharge, are reportedly being misappropriated by hospital staff. The Swasthya Sathi scheme provides 200 rupees to patients after they are discharged to help with travel expenses. However, internal investigations suggest that certain hospital employees have been diverting a portion of these funds for personal gain.

Under the Swasthya Sathi guidelines, the process for disbursing the funds is clearly defined, with an Assistant Superintendent tasked with overseeing the distribution. In Kolkata Medical College, however, this responsibility was given to a fourth-grade employee. Patients are required to sign a document and provide their phone numbers as part of the disbursement process. Allegedly, while patients were asked to sign the document, many were not asked to provide their phone numbers. Instead, some employees entered their own or their associates' contact details.

Kolkata Medical College disburses a significant amount of money under the Swasthya Sathi scheme, with approximately 90,000 to 1 lakh rupees distributed each month to eligible patients. These funds are intended to cover the transportation costs of patients who are discharged from the hospital. The allegations suggest that a portion of these funds has been systematically siphoned off by some employees, diverting the money intended for patients to their own pockets.

Following the complaints, the hospital authorities conducted an internal investigation to verify the allegations. During the inquiry, it was discovered that many of the phone numbers listed in the records were unreachable. This raised suspicions that the contact information had been falsified, likely to cover up the diversion of funds. In response to these findings, the hospital administration decided to shift from cash disbursements to direct bank transfers for the 200 rupees allocated to each patient. This move was intended to increase transparency and accountability in the distribution process. As part of the new procedure, the hospital now collects the bank account details of all patients admitted under the Swasthya Sathi scheme.

Despite the shift to bank transfers, concerns have been raised about the practical challenges this could pose to patients, particularly those from rural areas. Many patients in remote regions may not have access to smartphones, bank accounts, or internet services, making it difficult for them to receive the funds digitally. Hospital authorities are aware of these challenges, but the decision to implement bank transfers was made in an effort to eliminate fraudulent practices and ensure that funds are properly allocated.

The issue has also attracted political attention, with opposition groups accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress party of misusing the Swasthya Sathi scheme for political gain. Critics have alleged that the misappropriated funds may be funneled into the pockets of party members. However, the investigation into the matter is ongoing, and the hospital authorities are working to ensure that the funds are properly managed and distributed to patients in a fair and transparent manner.

As the inquiry progresses, hospital officials are under pressure to resolve the issue and restore confidence in the Swasthya Sathi scheme. The authorities have emphasized their commitment to ensuring that the welfare of patients is prioritized and that the funds meant for their assistance are safeguarded against misuse.