kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Kolkata, May 23: The Central Government has announced a major financial allocation of more than ₹3000 crore for the development of West Bengal’s healthcare infrastructure. The decision was detailed on Saturday during a press conference held at the state secretariat Nabanna, where Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari shared the information with the media.

The Chief Minister stated that under the National Health Mission (NHM), the state has been allocated ₹2,103 crore to strengthen healthcare services and improve infrastructure across various districts. In addition, under the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, the Centre has also announced an additional ₹970 crore to support the implementation of the programme’s first phase in West Bengal.

This substantial financial support from the Centre is expected to significantly boost the state’s healthcare system. The funds are likely to be transferred to the state in phases in the coming period.

A high-level virtual meeting between Delhi and Kolkata lasted for nearly an hour prior to the announcement. Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda was also present during the discussions, where key decisions regarding the allocation were finalised before being formally communicated to the state.

The press conference at Nabanna was attended by several senior state officials including Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam, Chief Minister’s principal advisor Subrata Gupta, and senior officials from the Home Department and other administrative wings.

Officials further clarified that although ₹2,103 crore has been approved under the National Health Mission, only around ₹520 crore—approximately one-fourth of the total allocation—will be released in the initial phase of the current financial year. The release process has already begun, according to the administration.

Experts believe that this large-scale financial assistance from the Centre will play a crucial role in improving healthcare delivery, strengthening medical infrastructure, and expanding public health services across West Bengal in the coming years.