HEALTHCARE SCENARIO OF WEST BENGAL 2023

Are you currently looking into venturing or investing into the healthcare sector in West Bengal? Are you looking for concrete details on the current status of the Healthcare scenario in West Bengal? In this article, Hospaccx Healthcare Consultancy brings to you the latest bits of Information on West Bengal current Healthcare Systems.

INTRODUCTION:

West Bengal, located in the eastern region of India, is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. When it comes to healthcare, the state has made significant strides in improving the well-being of its population over the years. The healthcare system in West Bengal has undergone major transformations to cater to the needs of its citizens. The state government has implemented numerous initiatives to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare services for all. One of the key milestones was the establishment of a network of primary healthcare centres in rural areas, which has greatly improved healthcare accessibility for the rural population. In addition to primary healthcare, West Bengal has witnessed the development of specialized medical institutions and hospitals, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. These institutions offer specialized services in various fields

DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

HEALTH INDICATORS

MEDICAL TOURISM IN WEST BENGAL:

• Reduced costs, the availability of cutting-edge medical technology, and India’s growing adherence to international quality standards are all benefits of receiving medical treatment in West Bengal. The government has eliminated the requirement that visitors from Gulf nations wait two months between visits, which is likely to increase medical tourism. For tourists from a few countries, a visa-on-arrival program has been implemented, allowing visitors to stay in India for 30 days for medical purposes. Bengal, which is quickly becoming a hub for medical travel, has taken steps to make patients from the Balkans and Africa more at ease while also assisting in the facilitation of their medical care.

• According to estimates, the cost of treatment in West Bengal starts at just a tenth of what it would cost in the United States or Great Britain.

DISEASE BURDEN IN WEST BENGAL:

SEVERAL INITIATIVES WAS IMPLEMENTED BY WEST BENGAL GOVERNMENT

Name of Scheme	Features & Benefits
West Bengal Free Health Scheme	· Launch Year :2008 · Beneficiaries: state government employees, government employees who avail pension and their families. · Financial Coverage: Provides free healthcare services more than 1000 including specialised services for up to12 days, major surgeries forup to 7-8 days and medicines in government healthcare facilities.
Mamata Scheme	· Launch Year: 2011 · Beneficiaries: Pregnant women and infants from economically disadvantaged families. Direct Cash Benefit to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. · Financial Coverage: Provides free healthcare services, including antenatal care, delivery assistance, postnatal care, and immunization.
Swasthya Sathi Scheme	· Launch Year: 2016 · Beneficiaries: All residents of West Bengal · Financial Coverage: Provides financial assistance to patients suffering from critical illnesses for treatment in government and private hospitals. A basic health cover of Rs 5 lakh will be provided to each family.

LIST OF MAJOR HOSPITALS IN WEST BENGAL

Government Hospitals

1. NRS Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata: Establishment year  1873, NRS Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata is a prominent government healthcare facility, catering to patients with a bed capacity of 1,890 beds. Campus is spread over 33 acres.
2. SSKM Hospital (Seth Sukhlal Karnani Memorial Hospital),Kolkata’s: Founded year 1957. Hospital is a major government hospital in Kolkata, offering healthcare services with a bed capacity of over 1,775 beds.
3. Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata: Established in 1835, the Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata is one of the oldest and largest government hospitals in West Bengal, offering medical care with a bed capacity of over 1,358 beds. Campus is spread over 26 acres.
4. RG Kar Medical College and Hospital,Kolkata: Establishment year 1916, RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata is a renowned government healthcare institution, providing medical services and treatment with around 1,160 beds.
5. IPGME&R and SSKM Hospital,Kolkata: The hospital was established in 1707 and is spread over an area of 34 acres. It has 32 ICU beds and is known for its cardiology and gastroenterology speciality.

Private Hospitals

1. IQ City Medical Collegein Durgapur, established in 2013, has over 1200 beds and is affiliated with the West Bengal University of Health Sciences. Campus is spread over 100 acres.
2. Apollo Hospital in Kolkata, established in 2003. The hospital has around 700 beds, 180 ICU beds and 13 operation theatres. The hospital is both NABH and JCI accredited.

4. ICARE Institute of Medical Sciences and Researchin Haldia, established in 2011, has a bed capacity of around 500 beds and is affiliated with the West Bengal University of Health Sciences. Institute is spread over 34 acres.
5. KPC Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, established in 2006, has a bed capacity of around 354 beds and is affiliated with the West Bengal University of Health Sciences. Campus is spread over 49 acres.

Medical colleges

2. Kolkata Medical College, established in 1835, is one of the oldest and major medical colleges in West Bengal, with a bed capacity of 1358 beds and offering around 250 MBBS seats for medical education. Campus is spread over 26 acres.
3. Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, established in 1873, is a prestigious medical college in Kolkata that provides healthcare services with around 1,890 beds and offers 250 MBBS seats for medical education. Campus is spread over 33acres.
4. RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata:With a history dating back to 1916, RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata is a renowned government healthcare institution, providing medical services and treatment with around 1,160 beds.and offers 250 MBBS seats for medical education.
5. Burdwan Medical Collegein Bardhaman, established in 1910, is a reputable medical institution with around 1,099 beds and an intake of 200 MBBS seats for aspiring medical students. Campus spread over 51 acres.
6. Bankura Sammilani Medical Collegein Bankura, founded in 1956, is a prominent medical college with a bed capacity of over 910 beds and offering 200 MBBS seats for medical education. Campus is spread over 40 acres.

HEALTHCARE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN WEST BENGAL:

1. Growing population:

The population of West Bengal for the year 2023 is 9.9 Crores and is estimated to project 11.5 Crores by the year 2030 with annual growth rate of 13.9%.

2. Gap in medical infrastructure:

• In the state, the total number of available beds, including both government and private sectors, is 1,07,346 beds. According to the norms, there should be 5 beds per 1,000 population. Hence, there is a need for 5,00,000 beds, indicating a gap of 3,92,654 beds in the state’s healthcare infrastructure.
• Currently there are 1,809 diagnostic centres in west Bengal. As per the norms there should be 1 diagnostic centre per 10,000 population. Therefore, there is a requirement of 9,999 diagnostic centre indicating a gap of 8,190 diagnostic centre in the state.

3. Government assistance in healthcare investment:

a.West Bengal Bhabishyat Credit Card Scheme:

• Project Cost: Up to Rs. 5 lakhs only Financial Assistance under the Scheme Loan and government subsidy.
• Government subsidy: 10% of the project cost in the form of a margin money contribution with a maximum of Rs. 25,000.
• Bank Loan: The project cost less any applicable government subsidy in the form of a Margin Money contribution will be the bank loan component.
• Guaranteed protection: For credit facilities provided by lending institutions/banks in conjunction with the Credit Guarantee Trust Fund for MSEs (CGTMSE), the scheme shall provide credit guarantee coverage up to 100%. The State Government will provide additional guarantee coverage for all qualified borrowers beyond that provided by the CGTMSE.

b.Karma Sathi Prakalpa:

• Government Subsidy Quantum: Project Support 15% of the project’s total cost, up to a maximum of 25,000 rupees. Entrepreneurs who pay annual interest to the Co-operative Bank will receive an interest subsidy, 50% for timely interest repayment for a maximum of three years. 40% in all other situations for a maximum of three years.
• Project costsgreater than Rs. 50,000:10% of the project cost for all other communities and 5% of the project cost for SC/ ST/Women/Minority communities.

c.West Bengal Incentive Scheme 2020:

• Incentive based on land area for the construction of Basic and Essential Common Infrastructure Facilities.

CONCLUSION

 In conclusion, the healthcare scenario in West Bengal in 2023 reflects the state’s efforts to improve healthcare access and infrastructure. With a population of 9.9 crores and estimated growth to 11.5 crores by 2030, there is a significant demand for healthcare services. However, there remains a gap in medical infrastructure, including beds and diagnostic centres. The government has implemented various schemes to address healthcare needs. West Bengal has also been attracting medical tourism due to reduced costs, advanced medical technologies, and compliance with international quality standards. The presence of JCI-accredited hospitals and facilitators assisting patients in finding optimal treatment options has contributed to this sector’s growth. Overall, while West Bengal has made progress in healthcare, there is still scope for improvement to meet the growing healthcare needs of its population and enhance healthcare infrastructure to ensure quality care and accessibility for all.

Above is the superficial and macro level study for in-depth market and financial feasibility studies or any other healthcare-related research needs, please feel free to reach out to us at +91-8655170700 or email us at hospaccx.india@gmail.com. Our team is equipped to provide comprehensive and detailed insights tailored to your specific requirements.