Asansol, February 6, 2025: Members of SFI, DYFI, AIDWA, and PBBUS staged a protest and submitted a deputation at the Asansol District Hospital under the Paschim Bardhaman District Committee. The demonstration highlighted deteriorating healthcare services and demanded immediate action on 12 key issues to improve patient care and infrastructure.
Key Demands:
- Adequate Staffing: Urgent appointment of doctors, nurses, and technicians to fill existing vacancies and ensure smooth hospital operations.
- Improved Infrastructure: Immediate operationalization of the Trauma Care Unit and provision of essential facilities like CT scans and pathology tests.
- Strengthening Emergency Services: Upgradation of emergency departments and prompt attention to critical cases.
- Upgradation of CCU and Ventilation: Expansion of CCU and ventilation facilities, along with the addition of general beds to accommodate more patients.
- Advanced Diagnostic Equipment: Installation of equipment for USG, MRI, and other essential diagnostic tests.
- Affordable Healthcare: Reduction in out-of-pocket expenses for patients and provision of free essential medicines and tests.
- Preventing Referrals to Private Facilities: Ensure treatment of serious cases at the district hospital instead of referring patients to private facilities unnecessarily.
- Effective Ambulance Services: Deployment of well-equipped ambulances and ensuring their availability 24/7.
- Improved Sanitation and Safety: Ensuring a clean and secure environment for patients and staff.
- Monitoring and Accountability: Formation of a monitoring committee to oversee healthcare services and address public grievances.
- Infrastructure Expansion: Construction of additional wards and upgrading existing facilities to cater to the growing population.
- Regular Oversight: Conducting regular inspections by higher authorities to maintain service quality.
The protesting organizations expressed dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of healthcare issues and demanded swift action to address the grievances. They emphasized that healthcare is a fundamental right and called upon the authorities to prioritize the well-being of the common people.
The deputation was formally submitted to the Superintendent of the Asansol District Hospital. The organizations warned of intensified protests if their demands are not addressed promptly.
