West Bengal Moves To Roll Out Ayushman Bharat, Seeks Second AIIMS-Like Institute

With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing a decisive electoral victory in West Bengal, the State is now preparing for a major overhaul of its public healthcare system, including the proposed implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme and the establishment of an AIIMS-like institution in north Bengal.

These priorities figured prominently during a high-level review meeting chaired by Union Health Minister JP Nadda with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to discuss strengthening healthcare delivery, improving health infrastructure and accelerating implementation of key Central health programmes.

The virtual-mode meeting focused on effective utilisation of funds under the National Health Mission (NHM), PM-ABHIM and other flagship schemes aimed at achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through improved healthcare services, disease surveillance and preventive interventions. Discussions covered maternal and child health, immunisation, tuberculosis elimination, management of vector-borne diseases and early diagnosis of non-communicable diseases.

Under the National Health Mission, the Centre conveyed a total resource envelope of ₹3,505.59 crore for the financial year 2026-27 to West Bengal. Of this, the first instalment of ₹527.58 crore was released during the meeting. The State was also advised to expedite utilisation of funds available under PM-ABHIM and the 15th Finance Commission Health Grants, as per an official from the Ministry.

Emphasising the importance of strengthening healthcare systems, Nadda underlined the need for timely utilisation of funds, robust programme monitoring and expansion of quality healthcare services across the State. He stressed that key public health indicators such as Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) and Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) require sustained improvement, particularly in border districts where public health vulnerabilities remain significant.

The Union Health Minister also called for intensified implementation of the Measles-Rubella elimination campaign and accelerated rollout of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan through improved screening, treatment adherence and district-level monitoring.

The official said that the Minister suggested that the State Government organise sensitisation workshops for Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly to strengthen public participation in tuberculosis elimination efforts.

A major focus of the discussions was the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in West Bengal. Nadda said discussions on signing the Memorandum of Understanding for the scheme should be taken forward at the earliest so that eligible beneficiaries can begin receiving health coverage without delay. Nearly 1.45 crore families, including senior citizens, are expected to benefit once the scheme is rolled out in the State.

Nadda also emphasised the need to accelerate implementation of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and strengthen grassroots-level disease screening for early diagnosis and management. He urged the State to initiate Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programmes at the earliest, noting that preventive healthcare remains central to the Government’s public health strategy, particularly for reducing the burden of cervical cancer among young women.

The meeting also highlighted concerns over seasonal outbreaks of malaria and dengue ahead of the monsoon. Adhikari stressed the importance of preparedness, awareness campaigns, training and timely administrative interventions to contain vector-borne diseases.

Seeking to strengthen access to affordable medicines, the State proposed expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana and requested additional support for Jan Aushadhi Kendras and AMRIT pharmacies across districts.

A key proposal raised during the discussions was the establishment of additional medical colleges in underserved districts of West Bengal. Adhikari noted that three regions in the State still lack medical colleges and reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ensuring that every district has a medical college.

“The WB Chief Minister also proposed setting up an AIIMS-like institution in north Bengal, stating that such a facility would significantly improve tertiary healthcare services, advanced medical education, research capacity and specialised patient care in the region,” said the official.

Nadda assured the State of full technical support from the Union Health Ministry, including deployment of expert teams for training and capacity building. He reiterated that financial resources would not become a constraint provided there is effective implementation and timely utilisation of funds.

Senior officials present during the meeting included Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, AS & MD NHM Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary (Medical Education) Vinod Kotwal, CEO of NHA Sunil Barnwal and Joint Secretaries of various departments, among others from the Ministry and the State Government.