Kolkata, May 30: West Bengal will implement the National Health Mission (NHM), with the Centre sanctioning Rs 2,103 crore for the programme, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Saturday.
Addressing a health department event in Kolkata, Adhikari said the state had already received Rs 527 crore from the sanctioned amount. He said the funds would strengthen healthcare delivery and infrastructure across West Bengal.
Ayushman Bharat Coverage to Benefit 1.36 Crore Families
Adhikari said more than 1.36 crore families in West Bengal would be covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Eligible beneficiaries will receive health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh at designated government hospitals.
He added that migrant workers from West Bengal employed in other parts of India would also be able to access scheme benefits.
The Chief Minister announced that government hospitals in the state would be renamed as “Ayushman Mandirs.” He said patients would be able to purchase medicines at significantly reduced prices through government healthcare facilities.
Adhikari said 467 Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Kendras would operate across the state. Medicines for serious diseases, including cancer, would soon be available with a 30 percent subsidy.
The state government also plans to establish new medical colleges in Alipurduar, Kalimpong, Dakshin Dinajpur and Paschim Bardhaman districts. He said the objective was to ensure that every district benefits from improved medical education and healthcare infrastructure.
The Chief Minister announced the creation of control rooms to monitor district hospitals. A central control room at Swasthya Bhavan will oversee hospital operations, service delivery, cleanliness and administrative performance around the clock.
Adhikari said the health department would follow a zero tolerance policy against middlemen operating in hospitals and against unnecessary patient referrals. He confirmed that action had already been initiated against a doctor at Kolkata Medical College over the referral of a critically ill patient.
He also unveiled a new policy for private hospitals that received government land at concessional rates. Such hospitals must reserve up to 15 percent of beds for economically weaker patients referred by government hospitals and provide treatment free of cost.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and improved healthcare access. During the programme, he also inaugurated a 100 bed unit at the state run SSKM Hospital.
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