Centre Allocates INR 3,505 Cr to Strengthen Healthcare in West Bengal
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As per the latest development, out of the total capital allocation of INR 3505.59 Crore for FY 2026-27 conveyed to the State, INR 527.58 Crore has already been released.
In a move aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure and public health infrastructure, the central government has allocated an INR 3,505 crore for West Bengal under the National Health Mission Scheme.
The decision follows a recent meeting chaired by the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, with Chief Minister of West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari to strengthen healthcare services, implementation of key health programmes, and effective utilisation of funds under the National Health Mission (NHM), PM-ABHIM, and other flagship schemes.
As per the latest development, out of the total capital allocation of INR 3505.59 Crore for FY 2026-27 conveyed to the State, INR 527.58 crore has already been released.
Commenting on the allocation, West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari said, “We have received a sanction of Rs 2,103 crore from the Union Health Ministry for the National Health Mission for the current financial year, a fourth of which, Rs 500 crore, has already been transferred by the Centre.”
In addition, the Centre has also allocated its share of the INR 976 crore for the Ayushman Bharat scheme for this fiscal year, he added.
During the discussion, the Union Minister also highlighted plans to sign the Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY.
He also added that nearly 1.45 crore families, including senior citizens, would be covered under the AB PM-JAY and are expected to benefit from the expanded healthcare coverage and interventions.
Further, the CM stated that around six crore holders of the Swasthya Sathi cards issued by the erstwhile government in Bengal would be brought under the ambit of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the first phase, and the number of beneficiaries will subsequently increase.
Additionally, opportunities will also be made available to fresh applicants who had not previously opted for the Swasthya Sathi cards, he added.
Speaking regarding the rollout timeline of Ayushman Bharat, CM Adhikari said, “We are hoping to start the distribution of Ayushman Bharat cards from July, the enrolment work for which has already begun.”
The discussion also focused on strengthening the implementation of healthcare programmes under the National Health Mission (NHM).
Seeking greater support for affordable healthcare access, CM Adhikari also proposed enhanced implementation and expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana in West Bengal to ensure wider availability of quality generic medicines at affordable prices for the common people.
He additionally sought guidance from the Union Health Ministry regarding healthcare budgeting and financial planning for the State, stating that strategic support in this regard would significantly strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve public health outcomes.
Furthermore, West Bengal CM also informed that all pending and previous health-related data and documentation about the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare are being streamlined and cleared on priority to facilitate better coordination, transparency, and effective implementation of healthcare programmes.
The CM also announced plans to accelerate recruitment of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare service workers in state-run health centres.
The discussions additionally focused on proposals, including new medical colleges in underserved districts and an AIIMS in north Bengal to boost tertiary care and medical education.
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