The chief minister also outlined an ambitious roadmap to strengthen the state’s healthcare infrastructure and medical education.
Photo: IANS/File
The West Bengal government felicitated the state’s top 100 performers in the NEET-UG examination, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari presenting laptops to the meritorious students at Nabanna Sabhaghar on Tuesday.
The programme assumes significance amid the nationwide controversy over the alleged NEET question paper leak and the subsequent resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, making the state’s initiative both administratively and politically significant.
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The chief minister also outlined an ambitious roadmap to strengthen the state’s healthcare infrastructure and medical education.
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The event, attended by students and their parents from across North and South Bengal, marked the first time the state government has officially honoured successful candidates of the highly competitive national medical entrance examination on such a large platform.
While West Bengal has traditionally felicitated toppers in Madhyamik and Higher Secondary examinations, this was the first state-level recognition for NEET-UG achievers.
Congratulating the students, Adhikari said they had reached the top through hard work, perseverance and talent despite intense competition.
“Your success is not just a personal achievement but a matter of pride and joy for the people of West Bengal,” the chief minister said.
Invoking Swami Vivekananda’s mantra of “Charaiveti” (keep moving forward), Adhikari urged the future doctors to dedicate themselves to serving the nation and the people.
He called upon them to look beyond urban-centric healthcare and ensure quality medical services reach rural India.
Highlighting the government’s healthcare agenda, the chief minister said, “The state is working to transform health centres into Ayushman Mandirs under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and the National Health Mission (NHM).”
“There are efforts to improve residential facilities and working conditions for doctors across government hospitals,” he added.
The government also plans to strengthen dialysis units, modern operation theatres, Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs), MRI and scanning facilities, while expanding the network of Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
Adhikari further announced that the number of general and ICU beds at Kolkata’s SSKM Hospital would be increased.
To address the shortage of doctors and healthcare professionals, the chief minister said, “The government will establish four new medical colleges in Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Paschim Bardhaman and Dakshin Dinajpur, as proposed in the state budget.”
He also said the government plans to set up another AIIMS in North Bengal in addition to the existing institute at Kalyani.
Speaking about private sector participation in healthcare, Adhikari said land has been allotted to the Adani Group in New Town for the construction of a 2,000-bed international-standard hospital.
A formal agreement has already been signed for the project, which will also provide dedicated treatment facilities for economically weaker sections, he added.
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