Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Saturday held a high-level review meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, during which both sides discussed the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) in the state and steps to strengthen public healthcare delivery systems.
According to a statement issued by the Union Health Ministry, discussions were held on signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the rollout of the scheme in West Bengal, enabling eligible beneficiaries to access cashless healthcare services under the national insurance programme.
Nadda said that nearly 1.45 crore families, including senior citizens, are expected to benefit once AB PM-JAY is implemented in the state. He stressed the need for swift execution so that vulnerable and underserved populations can receive timely healthcare support.
During the virtual meeting, Adhikari sought the Centre’s continued support and technical guidance for effective implementation of the scheme, stating that the state was committed to ensuring affordable healthcare access across all districts.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of key health programmes under the National Health Mission (NHM), PM-ABHIM, and other flagship initiatives. Issues related to fund utilisation, infrastructure strengthening, and programme monitoring were discussed in detail.
According to the ministry, a total resource envelope of Rs 3,505.59 crore under NHM for FY 2026-27 has been communicated to the state, while the first instalment of Rs 527.58 crore has already been released.
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The Centre also urged the state to expedite utilisation of funds under PM-ABHIM and the 15th Finance Commission health grants to ensure faster implementation of healthcare projects.
The discussion further focused on improving key public health indicators, including Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) and Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR), particularly in sensitive and border districts.
Nadda emphasised strengthening immunisation drives, including the Measles-Rubella elimination campaign, and improving vaccination coverage across the state. He also called for accelerating the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan through intensified screening, treatment adherence, and district-level monitoring.
The Health Minister further stressed the importance of launching HPV vaccination initiatives, noting that large numbers of young girls remain at risk of cervical cancer and related health complications.
He also suggested organising sensitisation workshops for MPs and MLAs to enhance public participation in tuberculosis elimination efforts.
Adhikari informed the Centre that pending health-related data and documentation were being streamlined on priority to improve coordination and ensure smoother implementation of health programmes
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