West Bengal has unveiled an ambitious healthcare expansion plan in its 2026 Budget, announcing the establishment of four new medical colleges, a second All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and a specialised cancer treatment hospital in North Bengal. The initiatives are expected to significantly strengthen medical education, healthcare delivery, and access to advanced treatment facilities across the state.
Four New Medical Colleges, More MBBS and PG Seats
As part of the expansion drive, new medical colleges will be set up in Alipurduar, Kalimpong, Paschim Bardhaman, and Dakshin Dinajpur. Additionally, the existing Suri Super-speciality Hospital in Birbhum will be upgraded into a full-fledged medical college.
The state government also plans to increase medical education capacity by adding 650 MBBS seats across 13 medical colleges and over 450 postgraduate seats, helping address the growing demand for healthcare professionals.
New Super-Speciality Hospitals Planned
The budget also includes proposals for new super-speciality hospitals in Sundarban, Purulia, and Darjeeling. These facilities are aimed at enhancing access to advanced healthcare services in underserved and geographically challenging regions.
Affordable Medicines Through Janaushadhi and AMRIT Stores
To reduce healthcare expenses for patients, the state will implement the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, ensuring access to quality generic medicines at prices 50% to 80% lower than branded alternatives.
In addition, AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) stores will be established in all district and sub-divisional hospitals. These stores will provide life-saving medicines, surgical consumables, and costly implants at discounts ranging from 50% to 90%.
Major Hospital Upgrades Across the State
Several existing healthcare facilities, including hospitals in Haripal, Bamangola, Farakka, Digha, Jhalda, and Manbazar, are set to undergo significant upgrades to improve patient care and service delivery.
The government has also announced the establishment of trauma care centres at major tourist destinations such as Digha, Darjeeling, and Farakka to strengthen emergency medical response systems.
Focus on Rural and Remote Healthcare Access
Recognising the unique healthcare challenges of the Sundarbans region, the government plans to introduce dedicated motorboat ambulance services and island-based childbirth centres. These initiatives are expected to improve healthcare accessibility for residents living in remote and difficult-to-reach areas.
Furthermore, the Bidi Workers’ Hospital in Murshidabad will be modernised as part of the state’s broader healthcare infrastructure development programme.
Bengal Eyes Medical Value Tourism Hub Status
The state government has also outlined plans to position West Bengal as a global medical value tourism destination. To support this vision, a new AYUSH department and five regional medical centres will be established, promoting integrated healthcare services and attracting patients from across India and abroad.
With investments spanning medical education, hospital infrastructure, affordable medicines, emergency care, and medical tourism, West Bengal’s latest healthcare roadmap marks one of the state’s most comprehensive healthcare expansion initiatives in recent years.
