Hooghly district lies just north of Kolkata along the river of the same name — a historic trading heartland whose health infrastructure remains dense and well-organised. Imambara Hospital at the district headquarters of Hugli-Chuchura is the region’s main government medical centre. The general hospitals at Uttarpara and Serampore serve the crowded riverside towns, while Arambagh Sub-divisional Hospital is the lifeline of the sprawling rural south-west. A network of primary health centres covers the district’s 18 community development blocks.
Major Hospitals and Medical Centres
| Hospital | Type | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imambara Hospital | District Hospital | Hugli-Chuchura | 033-26802293 |
| Uttarpara General Hospital | State General | Uttarpara | 033-26634212 |
| Serampore Walsh Hospital | State General | Serampore | 033-26626062 |
| Arambagh Sub-divisional Hospital | Sub-divisional | Arambagh | 03211-255095 |
Imambara Hospital is the district’s main government medical institution, with specialist doctors and an emergency department. Critically ill patients from distant rural areas such as Arambagh are often referred to the district headquarters.
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. Although roads are good, traffic in the towns can be heavy at busy hours, so booking the ambulance in advance is a sensible step.
Health Services and Benefits
- Swasthya Sathi Card: Under the Swasthya Sathi scheme, every family in Hooghly 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 18 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.
- Dengue and Mosquito Control: In the densely populated riverside belt, dengue vigilance is essential during the monsoon — empty standing water around your home regularly.
- Medical Camps: Eye, dental and general health camps are regularly organised by the government and NGOs.
Health Tips
- Drink plenty of water in summer and avoid the midday sun.
- 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.