Health Minister’s Comprehensive Review of Healthcare Services in West Bengal

Ensuring the delivery of high-quality healthcare services to every citizen of West Bengal remains an unwavering commitment of the Government of India, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The imperative to provide accessible and effective healthcare services to the people of the state has been emphasized during the recent visit of the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, to West Bengal. Dr. Mandaviya conducted a meticulous review of various healthcare programs and services currently operational in the state, reaffirming the government’s dedication to this crucial sector.

During his visit, Dr. Mandaviya focused on assessing the performance and impact of several key healthcare initiatives, including the Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centres, National TB Elimination Program, utilization of funds allocated under the National Health Mission (NHM), the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), the expansion of Telemedicine services, the state of Medical Education, and the strides made in the Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Program.

Speaking on the significance of the Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centre, Dr. Mandaviya underscored its vital role in extending comprehensive primary healthcare services directly to the people, right in their neighborhoods. This initiative has been pivotal in enhancing healthcare accessibility and promoting well-being.

As part of the National Health Mission, West Bengal has received substantial resources to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure:

• Approval for 800 Sub-Centres with an investment of Rs. 288.72 crores.
• Establishment of 2 Urban Community Health Centres with a funding of Rs. 10 crores and the creation of 37 new urban Primary Health Centres (PHCs) with an investment of Rs. 27.75 crores.
• Sanctioning of 404 Ayushman Bharat Urban Health and Wellness Centers.

In his review, Dr. Mandaviya also delved into the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program, reaffirming the government’s commitment to eradicating Tuberculosis by 2025. He stressed the effective utilization of funds allocated under the National Health Mission, ensuring that every rupee serves its intended purpose.

The Union Health Minister further shared significant accomplishments under the 15th Finance Commission, including approvals for 223 Block Public Health Units (Rs. 180.12 crores investment) and 719 Sub-Centres (Rs. 290 crores investment) within the state. Notably, West Bengal has seen the operationalization of 10,358 Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, with an impressive footfall of 16,82,87,430, and 2,08,42,397 teleconsultations conducted, highlighting the substantial progress achieved.

Dr. Mandaviya also shed light on the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and Telemedicine services, applauding their role in delivering quality healthcare services to West Bengal’s populace. He affirmed the government’s commitment to making Telemedicine services accessible to all residents of the state. Additionally, he highlighted key developments in this realm, including:

• Sanctioning of 22 Critical Care Blocks (Rs. 727 crores).
• Approval for 23 Integrated Public Health Labs (Rs. 47.38 crores).
• Creation of 510 Urban Health and Wellness Centres (Rs. 535.50 crores investment).

In his comprehensive review encompassing Medical Education and the Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Program, Dr. Mandaviya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing high-quality medical education and ensuring the success of the Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Program.