The Hindu Business Line : Bengal unveils policy document

THE West Bengal Government on Monday launched a policy document on public-private partnership (PPP) in the healthcare sector. The document was released here by the West Bengal Chief Minister, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, at a function held at the state administrative headquarters of Writers' Buildings.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Bhattacherjee said that, in view of the resource constraints faced by the State Government, it would be imperative to engage the private sector for expeditious achievement of desired healthcare outcomes. A PPP model would go a long way in enabling the State Government to reach quality healthcare to people at affordable and reasonable prices, he said.

According to him, the policy document outlines the scope for PPP in the healthcare sector. It calls for a new paradigm and partnership models in primary healthcare, tertiary healthcare and advanced healthcare. The document has zeroed in on the specific areas of healthcare where PPP would be pursued. Guiding principles on which the PPP models would be based have also been enumerated.

Upgrading Govt hospitals: Mr Bhattacharjee said the State Government was keen to set up "centres of excellence" in Government hospitals in collaboration with private sector hospitals and even individual doctors. After successfully deploying funds provided by the UK's Department for International Development for healthcare in the State, West Bengal has now approached the World Bank for funds that would be used to upgrade Government hospitals.

Speaking on the occasion, the West Bengal Health Minister, Dr Surjya Kant Mishra, said India expends barely 0.9 per cent of its GDP on the healthcare sector. This is among the lowest in the developing world. As such, various PPP models would have to be looked into if quality healthcare is to be provided to people, especially those in the rural areas.

Dr Mishra said the PPP models that would now be looked into include working with civil society, service agreements, buying of products & services, joint ventures, social marketing & franchising and Build Operate Transfers.