Darjeeling is a unique district in northern West Bengal at the foothills of the Himalayas, where the hill region and the Terai-Dooars plains face two very different health challenges together. At the centre of the district’s health infrastructure stands North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, which serves advanced care not only for this district but for the whole of North Bengal and neighbouring states. The district hospitals at Darjeeling and Siliguri, along with sub-divisional hospitals such as Kurseong, meet the everyday needs of people in the hills and the Terai. In remote hill villages, primary health centres play a particularly vital role.
Major Hospitals and Medical Centres
| Hospital | Type | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darjeeling District Hospital | District Hospital | Darjeeling | 03542-256790 |
| Siliguri District Hospital | District Hospital | Siliguri | — |
| North Bengal Medical College & Hospital | Medical College | Siliguri | — |
| Kurseong Sub-divisional Hospital | Sub-divisional | Kurseong | 8927315151 |
North Bengal Medical College and Hospital is the largest government medical institution in the region, with specialist doctors, an emergency department and advanced treatment facilities. Critically ill patients from the hill areas are often referred to Siliguri, so it is wise to plan the journey keeping road conditions and weather in mind.
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. Hill roads are long and winding, so in an emergency, clearly state the location and road landmarks when calling for an ambulance.
Health Services and Benefits
- Swasthya Sathi Card: Under the Swasthya Sathi scheme, every family in Darjeeling 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 9 community development blocks have primary health centres and rural hospitals offering free consultations, medicines and diagnostics. In remote hill villages, these centres are the first point of care.
- Immunisation: Complete childhood vaccination, tetanus shots and vitamin A programmes run routinely, with mobile vaccination teams reaching distant villages in the hills.
- Maternal and Child Care: Promotion of institutional delivery and postnatal care operate at block level. In the hill areas, advance planning is essential so that pregnant mothers can reach a hospital in time.
- Respiratory and Cold-related Illnesses: Due to altitude and winter cold, asthma and cough-and-cold cases are common — local health centres provide treatment for these problems.
- Medical Camps: Eye, dental and general health camps are regularly organised by the government and NGOs.
Health Tips
- Wear warm clothing in the winter months and take special care of children and the elderly against respiratory problems.
- Walking on hill paths is natural exercise, but drink water regularly to avoid dehydration.
- After 40, get a full health check-up at least once a year.
- Quit smoking and chewing tobacco — they are the leading causes of breathing problems and cancer.
- Make sure every family member knows the emergency numbers.