Bankura is a large district in western West Bengal, partly falling within the laterite plateau region. Its health infrastructure is comparatively strong for the state — Bankura Sammilani Medical College and Hospital is the main hub of advanced care for the region. Beyond the district headquarters, sub-divisional hospitals in towns like Bishnupur and Khatra serve their local areas, while a wide network of primary health centres covers the rural blocks.
Major Hospitals and Medical Centres
| Hospital | Type | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bankura Sammilani Medical College & Hospital | Medical College | Bankura | 03242-244703 |
| Bankura District Hospital | District Hospital | Bankura | 03242-250260 |
| Bishnupur Sub-divisional Hospital | Sub-divisional | Bishnupur | 03244-253075 |
| Khatra Sub-divisional Hospital | Sub-divisional | Khatra | — |
The Sammilani Medical College and Hospital is the largest medical institution in the district, with specialist doctors, ICU facilities, an emergency department and advanced surgical services. Critically ill patients from remote western plateau areas, including Khatra, are often referred here.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 100
- Ambulance: 108
- Fire: 101
- KYC (Women and Child Helpline): 1078
The state government’s 108 ambulance service covers the district’s towns and villages. When coming from plateau-area villages, booking the ambulance in advance is a sensible step.
Health Services and Benefits
- Swasthya Sathi Card: Under the Swasthya Sathi scheme, every family in Bankura gets free treatment up to an annual limit at government and empanelled private hospitals. Cards can be corrected or updated at block offices or digital service centres.
- Primary Health Centres: The district’s 22 community development blocks have primary health centres and rural hospitals offering free consultations, medicines and diagnostics.
- Immunisation: Complete childhood vaccination, tetanus shots and vitamin A programmes run routinely, with special immunisation days at anganwadi centres.
- Maternal and Child Care: Promotion of institutional delivery, postnatal care and adolescent health programmes operate at block level.
- Thalassemia and Anaemia: Awareness and screening drives for thalassemia receive particular attention in this region — pre-marital testing is advisable.
- Medical Camps: Eye, dental and general health camps are regularly organised by the government and NGOs.
Health Tips
- Drink plenty of water in summer — heatstroke and dehydration risks are higher in the plateau belt.
- Regular walking and a vegetable-rich diet lower the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
- After 40, get a full health check-up at least once a year.
- Quit smoking and chewing tobacco — they are the leading causes of cancer and breathing problems.
- Make sure every family member knows the emergency numbers.