Centre Releases ₹527 Cr for Bengal Health Push

New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry has released the first instalment of ₹527.58 crore to West Bengal as part of a larger ₹3,505.59 crore allocation under the National Health Mission for 2026-27. The announcement came during a detailed review meeting chaired by Health Minister JP Nadda with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The meeting focused on bridging shortfalls in maternal and child health indicators, expanding non-communicable disease screening, and ensuring round-the-clock availability of drugs and diagnostics at every public health centre. Nadda asked state officials to fast-track the signing of the memorandum for the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme so that nearly 1.45 crore families can begin receiving cashless treatment without further delay. Special attention was given to border districts where health indicators remain fragile. The minister called for targeted workshops involving MPs and MLAs to boost community participation in the TB elimination drive. He also directed early initiation of the HPV vaccine programme to protect adolescent girls from cervical cancer. Chief Minister Adhikari welcomed the fund release and sought central assistance for new medical colleges in underserved districts. He further requested an All India Institute of Ayurveda in north Bengal to strengthen tertiary care and medical education. Both sides agreed to intensify vector-control measures ahead of the monsoon to prevent malaria and dengue outbreaks. Nadda reiterated that financial resources would not be a constraint provided utilisation certificates are submitted on time. He assured the state of full technical support, including deployment of expert teams for training and internal capacity building, to achieve the vision of a healthy and developed India by 2047.