Centre Urges West Bengal to Accelerate Healthcare Initiatives: PM-JAY and HPV Vaccination | India News
New Delhi: The Center on Friday pressed West Bengal to speed up the rollout of Ayushman Bharat PM-JY, HPV vaccination and TB eradication programmes, while assuring full support to strengthen the state’s healthcare infrastructure.In a virtual review meeting chaired by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda with West Bengal Chief Minister Subvendu Adhikari, the Center released ₹527.58 crore as the first phase from the state’s ₹3,505.59 crore National Health Mission allocation for 2026-27.Nadda emphasized on speedy implementation of TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, Measles-Rubella Eradication Abhiyan and HPV Vaccination Abhiyan, saying preventive health care and early intervention are important to reduce disease burden. He called for stronger surveillance and monitoring of maternal and child health indicators, especially in border districts.The Union Health Minister urged the states to sign MoUs for implementation of PM-JAY, saying around 1.45 crore families, including senior citizens, would benefit from the scheme. He also said that the Center is ready to provide technical support, expert teams and training support for health care capacity building in the state.The meeting reviewed preparedness against vector-borne diseases, expansion of Ayushman Arogya Mandir, early screening for non-communicable diseases and availability of drugs and diagnostics in public health facilities.For greater central support, Adhikari proposed expansion of medicinal centers, setting up additional medical colleges in underdeveloped districts and setting up an AIIMS in North Bengal to improve access to tertiary healthcare in the region. He also reflected on the need for stronger preparedness against monsoon-related diseases like malaria and dengue.
