New Delhi [India], May 23 : Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, JP Nadda on Saturday chaired a high-level review meeting with the West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, to discuss strengthening of healthcare services, implementation of key health programmes, and effective utilisation of funds under the National Health Mission (NHM), PM-ABHIM and other flagship schemes, a release said.
Discussions were held on achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through improvement of health infrastructure, immunisation, maternal and child health initiatives, TB and other vector-borne disease elimination, early screening and diagnosis of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and availability of drugs and diagnostics at all public care health facilities.
Emphasis was laid on timely utilisation of funds, strengthening healthcare delivery systems, better programme monitoring, and ensuring quality healthcare services across the State.
Under National Health Mission, a total Resource envelope of Rs 3505.59 crore for FY 2026-27 was conveyed to the State, out of which the first mother sanction for Rs 527.58 crore has been released to the State today. It was also conveyed to the State that the funds available with the state for PM-ABHIM and 15th Finance Commission-Health grants should be utilised at the earliest, it added.
The meeting also focused on enhancing public health systems through improved regulatory oversight, strengthening diagnostics and supply-chain systems, and promoting technology-driven healthcare solutions.
Special emphasis was laid on accelerating the effort towards TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan to be implemented in the State through intensified screening, treatment adherence, and district-level monitoring. The Union Minister also mentioned the State should roll out HPV Vaccination at the earliest in the State.
Addressing the meeting, the Union Health Minister emphasised that sustained efforts are required to improve and maintain key public health indicators such as Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) and Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR), particularly considering West Bengal's border areas and associated public health sensitivities.
He stressed the importance of robust surveillance, timely intervention and coordinated healthcare delivery mechanisms to ensure continued progress in maternal and child healthcare outcomes.
The Union Health Minister underlined the need to intensify efforts under the Measles-Rubella elimination campaign and called for strengthened vaccination coverage and public awareness initiatives across the State.
He also emphasised the importance of accelerating the implementation of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and suggested organising dedicated sensitization workshops for Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assembly to strengthen public participation and awareness regarding tuberculosis elimination.
Nadda further stressed the need for launching HPV vaccination initiatives in the State under a preventive healthcare framework, noting that a large number of young girls remain susceptible to cervical cancer and related health risks. He stated that preventive healthcare and early intervention remain central pillars of the Government's public health strategy.
The Union Health Minister also highlighted the importance of continuous vigilance against diseases such as Kala-azar and Lymphatic Filariasis and directed concerned officials to ensure that cases are closely monitored and effectively contained through timely surveillance and preventive measures.
He further emphasised that implementation of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs should be accelerated across the State and screening activities at the grassroots level should be significantly expanded to facilitate early detection and management of diseases.
Nadda informed that discussions regarding signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for implementation of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY may be taken forward at the earliest, so that eligible beneficiaries can begin receiving healthcare benefits under the scheme without delay.
He added that nearly 1.45 crore families, including senior citizens would be covered under the AB PM-JAY and are expected to benefit from the expanded healthcare coverage and interventions.
Nadda assured that the Ministry is fully prepared to extend technical assistance and deploy expert teams for in-house training and capacity building support as requested by the State Government. He also advised the State to send detailed proposals regarding expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendras and AMRIT Pharmacies across districts to improve access to affordable medicines for citizens.
On the Union Government's commitment towards strengthening healthcare infrastructure, Nadda stated that financial resources would not become a constraint where effective implementation and timely utilisation of funds are ensured. He reiterated the Government of India's unwavering commitment to working closely with the State towards strengthening healthcare infrastructure, improving disease surveillance, expanding preventive healthcare and ensuring accessible, affordable and quality healthcare services for all citizens under the vision of a Swasth Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.
Speaking on the occasion, Suvendu Adhikari expressed gratitude to the Government of India and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for their continued support towards strengthening the healthcare ecosystem in West Bengal.
He stated that under the guidance and leadership of Union Health Minister JP Nadda, the State would continue to work towards ensuring affordable, accessible and quality healthcare services for all sections of society.
During the interaction, Adhikari sought the support and guidance of the Ministry for effective implementation of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) in West Bengal so that the benefits of comprehensive and affordable healthcare reach the most vulnerable and underserved populations.
He also emphasised the need to strengthen healthcare administrative mechanisms and grassroots-level implementation systems to ensure efficient delivery of health services across the State.
Adhikari informed that all pending and previous health-related data and documentation about the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare are being streamlined and cleared on priority to facilitate better coordination, transparency and effective implementation of healthcare programmes.
Highlighting the onset of the monsoon season, he underlined the urgent need for enhanced preparedness to combat vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue. He stressed that preventive measures, along with proper training, awareness campaigns and timely administrative directions, would play a critical role in safeguarding public health during the monsoon period.

The discussion also focused on strengthening implementation of healthcare programmes under the National Health Mission (NHM). Seeking greater support for affordable healthcare access, Adhikari also proposed enhanced implementation and expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana in West Bengal to ensure wider availability of quality generic medicines at affordable prices for the common people.
He additionally sought guidance from the Union Health Ministry regarding healthcare budgeting and financial planning for the State, stating that strategic support in this regard would significantly strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve public health outcomes.
During the meeting, Adhikari highlighted that three regions in West Bengal still do not have medical colleges and reiterated the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that every district should have a medical college.
He requested support from the Union Government for the establishment of additional medical colleges in underserved districts to strengthen medical education and healthcare accessibility.
Adhikari also proposed the establishment of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences in the northern part of West Bengal, stating that it would greatly enhance tertiary healthcare facilities, medical education, research capabilities and advanced patient care services in the State.

Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary; Aradhana Patnaik, AS & MD NHM; Vinod Kotwal, Additional Secretary, Medical Education; Sunil Barnwal, CEO, NHA; Joint Secretaries for various departments and senior officials of the Ministry were also present during the meeting.