‘Stern action should be taken against those found guilty of endangering lives’

Kolkata: Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday said that stern action should be taken against those who will be found guilty of endangering lives of people.

Banerjee was speaking at a ‘Sebaashray’ health camp organised in Falta in South 24-Parganas on the Midnapore Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) incident in which a woman died and four others fell critically-ill after giving birth to their children allegedly due to some “negligence” by some employees. Banerjee also stated that departmental proceedings should be taken up against those who will be found responsible.

“If somebody is found negligent, stern action should be taken. There is nothing so precious in this world like life. A person’s life should be like jewels to us. If a pregnant woman dies because of somebody’s negligence or errors, stern action and departmental proceedings must be taken against those guilty.

A step should be taken so that it can serve as an illustration in our society in the future,” Banerjee added further. Responding to a media question on the issue, Banerjee said: “The state government has ordered an inquiry and investigation into the lapse. Any incident is tragic and unfortunate. The state government has clarified its stance.

An investigation committee has been formed and the probe is on. Branding the entire health system as collapsed would be wrong.”

In reply to a question on the India bloc, Banerjee said: “When the bloc was formed, everyone backed the decision to support the regional parties wherever they are strong. For instance, AAP got 67 out of the 70 seats last time in Delhi and hence, we should support them.

Similarly, in places where Congress is strong, we would support them. It was clearly stated. Why will we weaken the party who is fighting against the BJP? We will support or strengthen those who are fighting hard to defeat them.” He also said that the state government has taken every possible step on earth to ensure the best health services to the people.

His initiative (Sebaashray) is just to make sure that people in the block level can avail treatment at camps. “State government has introduced Swasthya Sathi cards for all the people whereas in Ayushman Bharat there are restrictions. Even the state government has carried out ‘Duare Sarkar’ camps,” he said.

After being asked about the Malda incident in which a Trinamool Congress leader was murdered, Banerjee said: “We always maintain a zero-tolerance policy. See what action the party or administration takes after an incident happens. The state government has arrested a Trinamool Congress leader which never happens in other states.”

“Nobody is over the party’s discipline. A booth-level party member as well as me, the National GS, have to maintain the same party discipline.

We have to be in the party in a disciplined way,” Banerjee sent across the message to a section of party leaders.