Unani Hospital in Kolkata

A Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Development of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) Institutions is being implemented to provide grants-in-aid to AYUSH Institutions, including Unani Tibbia and Unani Medical Colleges. The scheme provides financial assistance to the Government and Government aided colleges for the following:

a) Infrastructure Development of AYUSH UG/PG institutions: up to Rupees 2 crores and 3 crores, respectively;

(b) Add-on PG / pharmacy /para medical courses in existing AYUSH institutions: up to Rupees 3 crores;

(c) Development of model AYUSH institutions/Centre of Advance Studies: up to Rupees 3 crores; and

(d) One time assistance on 50:50 matching basis for opening of new AYUSH Institutions/AYUSH Universities in States/UTs not having such institutions : up to Rupees 10 crores.

There are 263 Unani Medical Hospitals in India as on 01.04.2008, including one in the state of West Bengal.

There is only one Unani Medical College and Hospital in Central Kolkata i.e. the Calcutta Unani Medical College and Hospital which is a private institution. The Government of West Bengal provides non-recurring grants-in-aid to this institution for meeting expenditure of development works and payment of salaries of teaching and non-teaching staff. A sum of Rs. 23,65,000/- (Rs. Twenty Three Lakhs Sixty Five Thousand Only) has been released from 2006-07 to 2008-09. However, no funds have been released to them during 2009-10.

It is reported by the State Government that this medical college and hospital is not in a good condition. Further, the Government of West Bengal proposes to take over the management and subsequent adoption of the college and hospital. The Bill in this connection has already been passed by the West Bengal Legislative Assembly on 16.03.2010 which has been sent to the Governor of West Bengal for assent.

A proposal received in the Department of AYUSH from the State Government of West Bengal for providing financial assistance amounting to Rs. 1,82,62,793/- (Rs. One Crore Eighty Two Lakhs Sixty Two Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety Three Only) to this college and hospital for construction of two floors of the college and hospital building and purchase of computer, furniture, equipments etc. has been considered by Central Government. It has been decided to sanction a sum of Rs.1,75,51,570/- (Rs. One Crore Seventy Five Lakhs Fifty One Thousand Five Hundred Seventy Only) as admissible under the scheme.

This information was given by Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri S. Gandhiselvan in written reply to a question raised in Rajya Sabha today.

DS/GK