Kolkata, 25 March (H.S.) : In a significant administrative move, the West Bengal Home Department has issued a notification making it mandatory for ministers and their family members to obtain prior approval from the Chief Minister before seeking medical treatment outside the state.

The new rule was announced through an official notification issued by the Home Department and published in the Kolkata Gazette. The decision is being seen as an attempt by the state government to bring greater financial discipline and transparency in the reimbursement of medical expenses of ministers.

Earlier, ministers and their family members did not require any permission to seek treatment outside West Bengal. However, it was observed in several cases that medical expenses incurred outside the state were escalating significantly, with the state government bearing the costs.

With the new regulation, Nabanna, the state secretariat, aims to control excessive medical expenditure and encourage treatment within the state wherever adequate facilities are available. Officials believe the measure will help prevent unnecessary spending on treatments that can be conducted in government hospitals within West Bengal, thereby reducing the financial burden on the state exchequer.

The notification has also drawn attention because it comes close to the Assembly elections, with vote counting scheduled for May 4 and the formation of a new government expected thereafter. Observers believe the directive carries administrative and political significance in the current election environment.

Controversies over medical reimbursements of ministers date back to the Left Front era and have continued during the current Trinamool Congress government. Past instances involving reimbursement claims by ministers had triggered political debates over the use of public funds.

To avoid similar controversies in the future, the Home Department under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued the latest directive.

According to the notification, the state government will continue to provide special medical facilities to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers, along with specified members of their families.

They will be entitled to free treatment in state-run hospitals. In case of treatment in private hospitals, the expenses will be borne by the state government as per existing rules. However, the notification clearly states that prior approval will now be mandatory for availing treatment outside the state in order to qualify for reimbursement benefits.

Officials said the new system is expected to ensure better financial oversight while maintaining healthcare benefits for ministers.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh