Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Bengal Launches 110 Mobile Medical Units Offering Free Ultrasound, Diagnostics
West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, launched 110 new mobile hospitals on wheels.
These special vans are fully equipped with doctors and nurses and can travel to different areas to help people.
They offer 35 different health tests for free, like checking blood sugar and for pregnancy.
Pregnant women can also get free ultrasounds, which are important to check on the baby.
This is part of a bigger plan to help lots of families get good healthcare.
The Chief Minister also talked about how her government has increased money for hospitals and helps poor people get treatment for free, even in private hospitals through a scheme called Swasthya Sathi.
She wants to make sure everyone in the state can get the medical care they need without worrying about the cost.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated 110 self-sufficient mobile medical units.
These units will offer 35 free diagnostic tests, including ultrasound services for pregnant women.
The initiative is part of a larger plan to expand healthcare benefits, with an additional 100 units to be deployed.
CM Banerjee highlighted increased state health budget and the Swasthya Sathi scheme, which provides up to Rs 5 lakh for treatment.
The government is addressing issues of private hospitals potentially overcharging under the Swasthya Sathi scheme.
- Who
- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
- What
- Inaugurated 110 self-sufficient mobile medical units and discussed healthcare initiatives like Swasthya Sathi.
- When
- Monday
- Where
- Swasthya Bhawan, Kolkata
- Why
- To provide free diagnostic tests, including ultrasound for pregnant women, and expand healthcare benefits to a larger population.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Initiatives
Historical Context and Opposition Concerns
Healthcare Accessibility and Affordability
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Initiatives
The state government has significantly increased the health budget from Rs 3,500 crore to Rs 21,500 crore and launched initiatives like Swasthya Sathi (Rs 5 lakh provision) and mobile medical units to provide free diagnostics and treatment, benefiting millions.
Historical Context and Opposition Concerns
Concerns exist about the implementation of schemes like Swasthya Sathi, with instances of private hospitals reportedly demanding out-of-pocket payments beyond the scheme's Rs 5 lakh coverage, prompting strong administrative action.
Mobile Medical Units
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Initiatives
110 self-sufficient mobile medical units, costing Rs 84 crore for 210 units, have been inaugurated, offering 35 free diagnostic tests, including ultrasound for pregnant women, with an annual operational cost of over Rs 2.5 crore.
Historical Context and Opposition Concerns
The article mentions past criticism during 'Left rule' where the health budget was significantly lower, implying a contrast with the current government's increased spending on healthcare infrastructure.
- Inauguration Date
- Monday
- Location of Inauguration
- Swasthya Bhawan, Kolkata
- Number of Mobile Medical Units Inaugurated
- 110
- Total Mobile Medical Units Planned
- 210 (110 inaugurated, 100 to follow)
- Cost of 210 Units
- Rs 84 crore
- Free Diagnostic Tests Offered
- 35 (including haemoglobin, pregnancy test, ECG, blood sugar)
- Specific Service for Pregnant Women
- Free ultrasonography
- Annual Operational Cost of Mobile Units
- Over Rs 2.5 crore
Sources
Mamata launches 110 mobile health clinics for remote areas; funded largely by MPLADS
Mamata flags off 110 ‘mobile medical units’ to cater to patients in remote corners of Bengal
CM orders hospital safety overhaul: Direct building links, audits, and better security for women
