Govt Allocates INR 151 Cr to Boost Rural Diagnostic Infrastructure in West Bengal

The initiative aims to enhance diagnostic capabilities at the grassroots level, benefiting citizens in villages where Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) are operational.

The Union Government has sanctioned ₹151.04 crore to West Bengal for the fiscal year 2024–25 under the Fifteenth Finance Commission's (XV FC) health sector grant.

This funding is designated for the component “Support for Diagnostic Infrastructure to the Primary Healthcare Facilities for the Sub-Centres (For Rural)”.

The initiative aims to enhance diagnostic capabilities at the grassroots level, benefiting citizens in villages where Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) are operational.

The XV FC Health Sector Grant is intended to fully equip primary healthcare facilities, enabling them to provide essential diagnostic services in rural regions.

This release will strengthen diagnostic infrastructure at the grassroots level, aligning with the government's vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047 through Healthy Panchayats.”

The funds are released by the Ministry of Finance based on recommendations from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

States are required to utilize these funds strictly in accordance with the operational and technical guidelines issued by the Government of India. This ensures that there is no duplication with other schemes such as the National Health Mission (NHM) or the Pradhan Mantri Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana (PM-ASBY).

Moreover, this funding is part of a broader national strategy to enhance primary healthcare infrastructure, particularly in underserved rural areas.

By strengthening diagnostic capabilities at the village level, the initiative aims to reduce the burden on district and tertiary hospitals, improve early detection of diseases, and ensure timely medical interventions for rural populations.

The West Bengal government's effective utilization of this grant will be crucial in determining the success of this initiative.

The focus will be on transparent procurement processes, proper training for healthcare personnel, and the establishment of robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of the enhanced diagnostic facilities.

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