MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla Flags CGHS Facility Shortage in Darjeeling Hills, North Bengal and Sikkim
Access to government-supported healthcare for central government employees and pensioners from the Darjeeling hills, North Bengal and neighbouring Sikkim has come under focus in Parliament, with a call for urgent expansion of facilities under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).
Raising the matter during Zero Hour, Member of Parliament Harsh Vardhan Shringla drew attention to what he described as a significant gap between the number of beneficiaries in the region and the availability of CGHS services. He urged the Union government to establish additional wellness centres and strengthen administrative support to improve access for employees, retirees and their dependent family members.
Large Beneficiary Base, Limited Infrastructure
According to the MP, the combined region of North Bengal and Sikkim has a substantial population of current and former central government employees, along with their dependents. This group includes a large number of senior citizens and individuals with chronic health conditions who require regular medical attention.
Despite this, only one CGHS wellness centre is currently operating in Siliguri, the main urban hub of North Bengal. As a result, beneficiaries living in hill towns and remote areas often have to travel long distances to access consultation, medicines, or referrals covered under the scheme.
In many cases, patients from places such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong and Mirik reportedly travel between 80 and 120 kilometres to reach the Siliguri facility. For elderly patients or those with mobility and health issues, such journeys can be physically taxing and financially burdensome.
What CGHS Provides
The Central Government Health Scheme is designed to offer comprehensive healthcare services to eligible central government employees, pensioners and their families. Benefits include outpatient care, supply of prescribed medicines, specialist consultations, and referral services to empanelled hospitals for advanced treatment.
While CGHS networks are relatively well developed in major metropolitan cities, coverage in hill and border regions has often lagged due to geographical and administrative challenges. Health policy observers note that accessibility becomes a critical issue in such areas, where transport infrastructure and terrain can complicate travel.
The MP’s intervention highlights how these structural issues translate into practical difficulties for beneficiaries, especially those requiring routine check-ups or ongoing treatment for long-term illnesses.
Demand for New Centres in Hill and Border Areas
To address the gap, Shringla has called for the opening of new CGHS wellness centres in several key locations across the region. These include Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Mirik, Bagdogra and Naxalbari, as well as in Sikkim. Expanding the network, he argued, would reduce travel distances and ease pressure on the existing Siliguri centre.
He also suggested broadening the network of empanelled private hospitals and diagnostic centres under CGHS in the region. Such empanelment would allow beneficiaries to access approved services closer to their homes while ensuring that costs are covered under the scheme’s provisions.
Additionally, the MP proposed the establishment of an additional director-level administrative office in Siliguri to oversee CGHS operations in North Bengal and adjoining areas. This, he indicated, could help improve coordination, grievance redressal, and overall implementation of the scheme.
Challenges of Geography and Demography
Healthcare access in hill regions presents unique challenges. Settlements are often spread across difficult terrain, and road connectivity can be affected by weather, landslides, and seasonal disruptions. For patients requiring frequent visits—such as those undergoing follow-up treatment or managing chronic diseases—distance can become a serious barrier.
Demographic trends also play a role. With many retirees choosing to settle in the hills after service, the proportion of elderly beneficiaries is relatively high. Health experts point out that this group typically needs more frequent medical support, making proximity to healthcare facilities particularly important.
Government Response and Way Forward
While the MP’s demands place the issue on the national agenda, decisions regarding expansion of CGHS infrastructure involve multiple factors, including budgetary allocation, beneficiary density, and logistical feasibility. Health authorities usually assess proposals based on demand patterns and resource availability.
The matter is expected to be examined by the concerned ministries and departments. If approved, the establishment of new centres and empanelment of additional healthcare providers could significantly improve access for thousands of beneficiaries in the region.
Conclusion
The call for expanding CGHS services in Darjeeling hills, North Bengal and Sikkim underscores a broader concern about equitable healthcare access in geographically challenging areas. As the beneficiary base grows and the healthcare needs of senior citizens increase, aligning infrastructure with demand remains a key policy priority.
Whether through new wellness centres, stronger local networks of hospitals, or improved administrative support, steps taken in response to these concerns could play an important role in making government-backed healthcare more accessible and effective for eligible families in the region.
