Abhishek Banerjee’s ‘Sebaashray’ initiative reaches 23 lakh, extends for 1.5 more months

Abhishek Banerjee's healthcare initiative, ‘Sebaashray,’ has completed one month since its launch on January 2, in Amtala, West Bengal. The programme has already reached 23 lakh people across seven assembly constituencies, 71 rural gram panchayats, and 93 urban wards in the state. It is designed to provide essential healthcare services to communities in areas that typically face challenges in accessing proper medical care.

The initiative operates through a comprehensive network of healthcare professionals, including 1,200 doctors, 500 diagnosticians, 1,500 volunteers, and 12 referral hospitals. This network allows for a wide array of medical services, ranging from general health check-ups and consultations to diagnostic testing and referrals for more specialized care. These services are being provided free of charge, enabling access for a large number of people, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

‘Sebaashray’ addresses a broad spectrum of health issues, including preventive healthcare, medical consultations, and diagnostic services for common ailments. The initiative is specifically focused on delivering immediate medical attention, long-term care, and health awareness to areas that often lack adequate healthcare infrastructure. This includes rural and urban regions that typically experience gaps in healthcare availability.

The programme has been operational in numerous districts across West Bengal, and the current phase is expected to continue for an additional one-and-a-half months. The extension will allow the initiative to further expand its reach, ensuring that more individuals benefit from its services. The initiative also aims to provide follow-up healthcare, which is a critical component for maintaining long-term health improvements in underserved areas.

In addition to the medical staff, volunteers play a crucial role in the success of ‘Sebaashray.’ These volunteers assist in organizing the healthcare camps, managing patient registrations, guiding individuals through the process, and helping with non-medical tasks, ensuring the smooth operation of the programme. The ongoing expansion and success of this initiative emphasize the importance of accessible healthcare and the role of comprehensive outreach in improving public health.