Kolkata: Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s brainchild ‘Swasthya Sathi’ scheme has earned international acclaim as Portuguese journal ‘The Breast’ has recognised the success of the ground breaking scheme of the state government.
Austria’s St. Gallen Breast Cancer Conference 2025 which concluded on Saturday also highlighted this pioneering universal health scheme introduced by the Mamata Banerjee government.
The journal of international repute ‘The Breast’ featured cancer survivors who received free chemotherapy under the scheme. St. Gallen Conference also acknowledged that the treatment cost of deadly cancer has reduced manifold due to the implementation of the ‘Swasthya Sathi’ scheme.
A team of doctors from Bengal also presented a survey report highlighting how the cost of breast cancer treatment has been reduced by 70 per cent through the implementation of ‘Swasthya Sathi’. People belonging to the underprivileged section are able to continue chemotherapy because of the scheme. It was also stated that 90 per cent of breast cancer-affected women in the state are undergoing chemotherapy under the scheme.
Many cancer patients from across Bengal have greatly benefited from the scheme. It is because of the ‘Swasthya Sathi’ scheme the poor patients are availing chemotherapy treatment.
The ruling Trinamool Congress on social media also highlighted how Swasthya Sathi has provided better health care facilities to the people of Bengal.
“Every home in Bengal finds security in Swasthya Sathi, a visionary initiative trusted by nearly 9 crore people. With its support, 90% of early-stage cancer cases are being detected, ensuring timely treatment.
Under Smt. @MamataOfficial’s leadership, Swasthya Sathi is Bengal’s pride and a promise of better healthcare for all!” said Trinamool Congress in a post on X.
Minister of state for Health Chandrima Bhattacharya while presenting data regarding ‘Swasthya Sathi’ in the Assembly recently said that more than 8.72 crore people belonging to 2.44 crore families have been enrolled in the Swasthya Sathi scheme till the month of February.
The state government has spent over Rs 2,694 crore in the financial year 2023-24 in Swasthya Sathi with over 21.28 lakh people deriving benefits of the scheme, the minister had pointed out.