Picture credit: PTI
NEW DELHI: The Centre on Friday pushed West Bengal to speed up rollout of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, HPV vaccination and TB elimination programmes, while assuring full support to strengthen the state’s healthcare infrastructure.At a virtual review meeting chaired by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the Centre released ₹527.58 crore as the first tranche from the state’s ₹3,505.59 crore National Health Mission allocation for 2026-27.Nadda stressed faster implementation of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, measles-rubella elimination campaign and HPV vaccination drive, saying preventive healthcare and early intervention were critical to reducing disease burden. He also called for stronger surveillance and monitoring of maternal and child health indicators, particularly in border districts.The Union Health Minister urged the state to expedite signing of the MoU for implementation of PM-JAY, saying nearly 1.45 crore families, including senior citizens, would benefit from the scheme. He also said the Centre was ready to provide technical assistance, expert teams and training support for healthcare capacity building in the state. The meeting also reviewed preparedness against vector-borne diseases, expansion of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, early screening for non-communicable diseases and availability of drugs and diagnostics at public health facilities.Seeking greater central support, Adhikari proposed expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, establishment of additional medical colleges in underserved districts and setting up of an AIIMS in north Bengal to improve tertiary healthcare access in the region. He also flagged the need for stronger preparedness against monsoon-linked diseases such as malaria and dengue.
