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“We are dedicated to ensuring top-notch healthcare services for every citizen in West Bengal. The Government of India, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, shares this commitment to provide high-quality healthcare to all residents of the state. It is imperative for the State Government to effectively implement the Ayushman Bharat program at the grassroots level, thereby enhancing the welfare of the people in West Bengal. We are taking every essential measure to guarantee the utmost quality of healthcare services within the state.”
This statement was made by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, during his visit to West Bengal. During the visit, the Union Health Minister assessed the progress of various healthcare programs being carried out in the state. This included the evaluation of Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centres, the National TB Elimination Program, the disbursement status of funds allocated under the National Health Mission (NHM), advancements in the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), the provision of Telemedicine services, developments in Medical Education, and the efforts towards eliminating Sickle Cell Anemia.
During the event, Dr. Mandaviya discussed the Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centre, highlighting its significance by stating, “The Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centre stands as a commendable initiative, aiming to deliver comprehensive primary healthcare services to individuals in close proximity to their residences.”
Expanding on this, Dr. Mandaviya informed that the following allocations have been granted to West Bengal through the National Health Mission:
- 800 Sub-Centres have been sanctioned, with a total expenditure of Rs. 288.72 crores.
- Approval has been granted for 2 Urban Community Health Centres with a financial outlay of Rs. 10 crores, along with 37 new urban Primary Health Centres (PHCs) amounting to Rs. 27.75 crores.
- A total of 404 Ayushman Bharat Urban Health and Wellness Centers have received approval.
The Union Health Minister also conducted an evaluation of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program and assessed the disbursement status of funds allocated within the framework of the National Health Mission. He emphasized, “The Government of India maintains a resolute commitment to eradicating Tuberculosis by 2025. Furthermore, we are ensuring that the funds released under the National Health Mission are put to optimal use.”
Dr. Mandaviya went on to elaborate that as part of the 15th Finance Commission, 223 Block Public Health Units have been sanctioned with a financial allocation of Rs. 180.12 crores. Additionally, approval has been granted for 719 sub-centres, with a total expenditure of Rs. 290 crores in the state. He highlighted that West Bengal has successfully operationalized 10,358 Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, serving a total footfall of 16,82,87,430 individuals. Notably, the state has also conducted 2,08,42,397 teleconsultations.
Regarding the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and Telemedicine services, Dr. Mandaviya expressed, “The PM-ABHIM stands as an excellent endeavor to deliver high-quality healthcare services to the residents of West Bengal. Concurrently, our efforts are directed towards ensuring the accessibility of Telemedicine services to every individual in the state.” Illustrating the advancements in these areas within the state, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted:
- The approval of 22 Critical Care Blocks, amounting to Rs. 727 crores.
- The allocation for 23 Integrated Public Health Labs, with a total outlay of Rs. 47.38 crores.
- Approval for 510 Urban Health and Wellness Centres, with a financial commitment of Rs. 535.50 crores.
Turning to the evaluation of Medical Education and the Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Program, Dr. Mandaviya reaffirmed, “Our dedication extends to providing top-notch medical education to the people of West Bengal. Furthermore, we are diligently undertaking all essential measures to ensure the triumph of the Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Program.”
