West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday warned of strict action against Abhishek Banerjee, without naming the Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP, saying the free Sipashrai health camps, which he launched during the previous government, were a “big scam”.
“A major scam has come to light related to Sibhashrai health camp run by Bhaibu (nephew). Several FIRs have been registered at Bishnupur police station on the basis of complaints filed by victims who allegedly faced medical negligence in the camps. FIRs have been registered by the state (CID), Special Task Force (STF), district police and experts from the health department,” Adhikari said in the state legislative assembly on Saturday.
The Prime Minister did not mention Abhishek Banerjee’s name, however, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders frequently refer to the TMC’s national general secretary as ‘Bhibo’. He happens to be the nephew of former Prime Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Abhishek Banerjee launched the Sibhashrai Health Camp in January 2025 in his Lok Sabha constituency to provide free counselling, diagnostic tests and essential medicines to patients who come to the camp for treatment. The TMC had earlier claimed that more than a million people attended the camp.
However, allegations have emerged of expired medications being used in the camp. Doctors and medical students from government hospitals and medical colleges participate in these camps. X-ray and USG machines were deployed from government hospitals.
“X-ray and USG machines have been taken out of hospitals for use in the camp. Doctors and medical students from state-run hospitals and medical colleges have been transferred to the camps to treat patients. Can a medical student treat a patient?” He said.
The Prime Minister referred to at least three cases in which victims alleged that they had to undergo amputation due to medical negligence at the health camp.
“If he enters (jail) once, he will not be able to come out (in the near future). This is a serious crime. No one can save this hypo cheater. X-ray machines and USG machines have been confiscated. Expired medicines were used to treat patients,” Adhikari said at the rally. The medicines, which expired in 2021, were seized from the former TMC MLA’s residence.”
A junior doctor from a state-run hospital in Diamond Harbour, who was posted at Sipashrai camp, recently sent a letter to the chief minister.
“This is a heinous crime. Bhaibo and his companions who participated in these camps will not survive. We are making all preparations, plugging loopholes and collecting evidence. Action will be taken in due course,” he said.
