Nomoskar, I’ve been trying to figure out how to apply online for the Sishu Saathi Scheme in West Bengal, but I’m a bit confused about the process. From what I understand, this scheme is aimed at providing financial assistance or support to children from economically weaker families to help with their education. However, I’m not sure if there’s an official online portal for applying or if I need to visit a government office to submit the application.
Does anyone know the exact steps to apply online? Are there specific documents required, like income certificates, Aadhaar details, or school records? Also, are there any eligibility criteria that I should be aware of before applying? If anyone here has applied for this scheme before, I’d really appreciate your guidance on how to go about it and any tips to avoid common mistakes. Dhanywad!
Hello all Readers of IndianForum,
I came across this discussion and wanted to share some detailed information about the West Bengal Sishu Saathi Scheme , as it’s a highly beneficial initiative for families with children suffering from serious illnesses. Launched on 21st August 2013 , this scheme aims to provide free treatment to children aged 0 to 18 years who are dealing with critical conditions like heart diseases, neurological disorders, congenital cataracts, or other severe eye ailments. Here’s everything you need to know about the scheme:
Key Benefits of the Scheme
Under the Sishu Saathi Scheme, eligible children can avail the following benefits:
- Free cardiac surgeries
- Free neurosurgeries
- Free congenital cataract surgeries and other critical eye treatments
The West Bengal Government covers all treatment costs charged by empaneled hospitals, ensuring no financial burden on the families.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- The child must be a permanent resident of West Bengal (residence proof/domicile certificate required).
- The child’s age should fall between 0 to 18 years .
- The child must be diagnosed with one of the covered conditions: heart disease, nerve disorders, or critical eye ailments.
Documents Required
At the time of application, the following documents are needed:
- Residence proof/Domicile certificate
- Aadhaar card of the child and guardian
- Age proof (e.g., birth certificate)
- Medical reports/documents confirming the diagnosis
- A valid mobile number for communication
How to Apply
Here’s how you can apply for the scheme:
- Screening Test :
- Children can undergo a screening test at any government or private hospital empaneled under the scheme. Alternatively, they can attend health check-up camps conducted in government schools.
- Listing for Treatment :
- After the screening, eligible children are listed by concerned officials for free treatment under the scheme.
- Visiting Empaneled Hospitals :
- Listed children are referred to one of the following empaneled hospitals for treatment:
- Private Hospitals :
- BM Birla Heart Research Centre
- RN Tagore Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Kolkata
- Mission Hospital, Durgapur
- IPGMER, Kolkata
- Government Hospitals :
- Seth Sukhlal Karnani Memorial Hospital
- B.C. Roy Memorial Hospital for Children
- R.G. Kar Medical College
- Free Treatment :
- Once referred, the child will receive free treatment at the hospital. All medical expenses are directly reimbursed by the government to the hospital.
Contact Details for Assistance
If you have any queries or need help, you can reach out to the West Bengal Health and Family Welfare Department through the following channels:
- Helpline Numbers :
- 033-23576000
- 033-23330100
- 033-23573625
- Helpdesk Emails :
You can also visit the official West Bengal Health and Family Welfare Department Portal for more details.
The Sishu Saathi Scheme is a commendable effort by the West Bengal Government to ensure that no child suffers due to a lack of financial resources. It provides life-saving treatments for critical illnesses completely free of cost. If you or someone you know is eligible, I’d recommend reaching out to the nearest hospital or attending a government health camp for screening.
Feel free to ask if you have any specific questions about the scheme- I’m happy to help!