“Promises at the Doorstep, Reality on the Ground?”: Questions Rise Over ‘Duare Swasthya’ Claims

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been consistently asserting on the campaign trail that her government delivers on what it promises—calling this her core USP. Reiterating this claim during election rallies, she has highlighted a renewed commitment in the party’s manifesto: bringing healthcare services directly to people’s doorsteps under the banner of “Duare Swasthya” (Healthcare at Your Door).

According to the Chief Minister, the initiative aims to ensure that essential medical services—including doctors, medicines, diagnostic tools like X-ray machines, and basic treatment—reach citizens at their homes, especially in remote and underserved areas.

However, on the ground in parts of North Bengal, a different picture is emerging.

In Jalpaiguri’s Raipur Tea Garden, a health centre established specifically for tea garden workers now stands as a symbol of alleged neglect. Ironically, many of the services that the Chief Minister promises under Duare Swasthya are still listed on the walls of this very centre—but exist only as faded assurances.

For the past four months, the facility has reportedly remained largely non-functional. Basic medical services are unavailable, and the building itself appears deserted. For tea garden workers—who rely heavily on such infrastructure—this has raised serious concerns.

The health centre, which falls under the National Health Mission framework, reflects broader questions about implementation gaps. Visuals of the abandoned facility further reinforce concerns about the lack of healthcare access in the area.

The issue has also triggered political reactions. BJP MP Jayanta Roy has criticized the state government, calling the situation a clear example of failed governance. On the other hand, Trinamool spokesperson Shubhankar Mishra has defended the government, maintaining that healthcare initiatives are being actively implemented across the state.

As the election campaign intensifies, the gap between promise and reality in places like Raipur Tea Garden is likely to remain a key talking point—raising an important question for voters: does Duare Swasthya truly reach every doorstep, or does it remain, in some areas, just a promise on paper?

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