West Bengal Announces Four New Medical Colleges, Healthcare Infrastructure Expansion Plan

PTI, July 29, 2026, Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday announced a series of measures to strengthen the state's healthcare system, including expansion of medical education, improved infrastructure in government hospitals and better working conditions for doctors.

Speaking at the felicitation programme for 100 NEET toppers from the state, Adhikari said the government was committed to creating a healthcare ecosystem that would encourage doctors to serve with greater motivation.

He also presented laptops to the meritorious students at Nabanna Sabhaghar.

The programme assumes significance amid the nationwide controversy over the alleged leak of the NEET question paper and the subsequent resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The state government's initiative is also politically significant.

The Chief Minister also outlined an ambitious roadmap to strengthen the state's healthcare infrastructure and medical education.

"There are efforts to improve residential facilities and working conditions for doctors across government hospitals," the Chief Minister said.

"Your success is not just a personal achievement but a matter of pride and joy for the people of West Bengal," he added.

Invoking Swami Vivekananda's mantra of "Charaiveti" (keep moving forward), Adhikari urged the future doctors to dedicate themselves to serving the nation and the people.

Reiterating his government's commitment, he said that the state is working to transform health centres into Ayushman Mandirs under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and the National Health Mission.

"There are efforts to improve residential facilities and working conditions for doctors across government hospitals," he added.

Adhikari further announced that the number of general and ICU beds at Kolkata's SSKM Hospital would be increased.

"The government will establish four new medical colleges in Kalimpong, Alipurduar, West Burdwan and South Dinajpur as proposed in the state budget," he added.

Speaking about private sector participation in healthcare, Adhikari said land has been allotted to the Adani Group in New Town for the construction of a 2,000-bed international-standard hospital.