Bengal Healthcare Budget Increased Fivefold in 14 Years, Transforming Child Healthcare

MP, KOLKATA, OCT 27, 2025: The Mamata Banerjee government has significantly transformed child healthcare in West Bengal over the past 14 years, with the state’s overall healthcare budget increasing more than fivefold, from Rs 3,926 crore in 2011-12 to Rs 21,938.52 crore in 2025-26.

According to data from the state health department, the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has decreased to 17 in 2025, down from 32 in 2011, which is well below the national average of 25. The Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) has also dropped from 22 in 2011 to 14 in 2025.

Immunisation coverage has risen dramatically from 80 percent to nearly 100 percent, and institutional deliveries have increased from 68.1 percent to 99.5 percent.

When the current government came to power in 2011, there were no Mother and Child Hubs in the state. Since then, the TMC government has established 17 such hubs. Additionally, the government has set up 12 Neonatal Care Units, 21 Paediatric Intensive Care Units, 71 Sick Neonatal Care Units, and 286 Sick Neonatal Stabilisation Units in the past 14 years.

The ‘Sishu Saathi’ initiative, which provides healthcare for children with serious ailments, has benefitted over 32,000 children, including those suffering from congenital heart disease, clubfoot, cleft lip, and more.

A social media post by TMC praised the government’s achievements, saying, “Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, our Maa-Mati-Manush Sarkar has transformed child healthcare in Bengal over the past 14 years. The state has achieved remarkable progress across multiple parameters, reflecting enhanced maternal and neonatal care, robust public health measures, and comprehensive support for children’s well-being.”

The Bengal government has also launched a comprehensive scheme to upgrade maternal, newborn, and pediatric services at tertiary and secondary healthcare facilities across the state, aiming to provide better treatment to expectant mothers and infants. Significant investments were made to improve healthcare infrastructure in districts and villages, ensuring better maternal and newborn care. Both the infant and maternal mortality rates have decreased as a result.

Maternal and child healthcare have been prioritized in the state health department’s healthcare action plan.