West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Launches 110 Self-Sustaining Mobile Medical Units to Boost Rural Healthcare

Kolkata, Nov 2025 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday inaugurated 110 self-sustaining mobile medical units at the Swasthya Bhavan in Kolkata, marking a major step toward expanding access to quality healthcare across the state. Banerjee, who also holds the health portfolio, announced that an additional 100 units will be deployed soon, taking the total to 210 mobile clinics.

Highlighting the government’s investment in the initiative, the Chief Minister said, “We have spent ₹84 crore on the construction of 210 such units. Today, 110 have been inaugurated, and the remaining 100 will be launched soon. These units are fully equipped and self-sufficient, staffed with doctors, nurses, and technicians.”

The mobile medical units will offer 35 diagnostic tests free of cost, including hemoglobin, ECG, pregnancy, and blood sugar tests. Pregnant women will also have access to ultrasound facilities, ensuring better maternal healthcare in remote areas. Banerjee said the initiative would cost the state over ₹25 crore initially and ₹300 crore annually once all units are operational.

Recalling the transformation of the health sector under her government, Banerjee contrasted the present with the previous Left Front regime. “During their rule, the health budget was ₹3,500 crore. Today, it stands at ₹21,500 crore. Under the Swasthya Sathi scheme, we have ensured free treatment coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family,” she said.

According to Banerjee, the government’s healthcare initiatives currently benefit 24.5 million families, or nearly 87.2 million people across West Bengal. She said the Swasthya Sathi scheme was inspired by her early experiences in opposition, when she witnessed poor patients dying while waiting for hospital beds. “I had resolved then that healthcare must be free for everyone. Today, that dream has become a reality — treatment in state hospitals is completely free, and even generic medicines are available,” she said.

The Chief Minister noted that nine million people are receiving treatment in private hospitals free of charge through Swasthya Sathi, and that the government has already spent ₹13,000 crore on the scheme.

Banerjee also warned private hospitals against overcharging beneficiaries. Citing a recent case, she said, “A private hospital in Barasat demanded payment beyond the ₹5 lakh coverage. I immediately ordered a show-cause notice and warned that their license could be canceled. No one has the right to exploit people under this scheme.”

The Chief Minister reiterated her government’s commitment to building an equitable, accessible, and modern healthcare system for all sections of society.