Kolkata :

The introduction of fair price medicine shops and diagnostic centers in West Bengal has attracted international attention.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday posted on her facebook page that a research study on the issue has been selected for discussion at the 11th World Congress of International Health Economics Association that will be held at Italy’s Milan during July 12 to July 15. “Our Fair Price Medicine Shops and Diagnostic Centres in Government Hospitals continue to receive more and more international attention and acclaim. A research study conducted on this innovative intervention of our Government to reduce out of pocket expenses of patient parties has been selected for presentation in the 11th World Congress of International Health Economics Association to be held at Milan, Italy during 12-15th July, 2015,” the CM posted on facebook.

“Already, 99 Fair Price Medicine Shops have been opened in just 4 years providing medicines at 48 to 77.2% discount. More than Rs.440 crore discount has been availed of by 157 lakh patients so far. It has been declared Model for the country. Moreover, 58 Fair Price Diagnostic Centres have been set up in just 4 years offering digital X-ray, dialysis, CT Scan and MRI at very affordable price,” the CM further posted on her facebook page.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kolkata / by Suman Chakraborti, TNN / June 26th, 2015