Abhishek Banerjee’s ‘Diamond Harbour Model’ fades, faces cases over health camps

Near the town of Falta, situated about 50 kilometers from Kolkata, a makeshift healthcare camp once stood, set up by Abhishek Banerjee, an MP for Trinamool Congress and a deputy No. 2 in the West Bengal government. Banerjee's scheme, named 'Sebaashray', aimed to provide free healthcare services to the local residents. However, the camp now faces numerous legal actions for alleged malpractices and misconduct.

The Sebaashray initiative was initiated in January 2025 and expanded over several Assembly segments in Diamond Harbour, offering various medical facilities such as consultations, tests, medicines, and surgeries. The TMC website praised the scheme as a "first-of-its-kind community scheme that has redefined access to healthcare", boasting of transforming the lives of thousands.

However, the scheme has been marred with allegations of irregularities, medical malpractice, and unauthorized use of equipment. The first complaint was lodged by a BJP leader, Abhijit Das, accusing 15 individuals, including doctors, of cheating, forgery, and even endangering lives. Another complaint was filed by Malati Biswas, a resident of Borhanpur village, who had lost her leg after getting treated for knee pain at a Sebaashray camp.

A particularly grievous case involves Chittaranjan and Ruma Manna, who had their toddler daughter Kriti's hand amputated due to alleged negligence at a Sebaashray camp. The parents claim that the treatments only worsened Kriti's condition, and they had to take her to a hospital in Bengaluru, where it was discovered that Kriti's arm had to be amputated. The family now demands severe punishment for those responsible.

Moreover, a private resort firm, Eco Creek, has filed a complaint against 'Team Abhishek Banerjee' alleging extortion. They claim that they were forced to arrange accommodation, food, and transportation for around 120 medical staff for several days, incurring losses of around Rs 20-25 lakh. The resort also alleges that expired medicines were administered to patients.

West Bengal's Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, while addressing the state assembly, addressed four types of irregularities in Sebaashray: improper treatment, unauthorized procurement of medical equipment, use of medical students for treatment, and administering expired medicines. Adhikari showcased photographs of individuals who allegedly suffered amputations or disabilities due to the scheme.

Former MLA Abhijit Das, who lost to Banerjee in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, alleged a "big scam", stating that there were no doctor signatures or registration numbers on prescriptions created by medical students yet to complete their MBBS degree.