Howrah, on the west bank of the Hooghly river, is Kolkata’s bustling neighbouring district — with industry, commerce and dense population, its demand for health services has long been among the highest. Howrah District Hospital is the district’s main government medical centre, while Uluberia State General Hospital in the south serves the vast rural and peripheral areas. The district also hosts specialised institutions such as the Sushrut Eye Foundation for eye care. A network of primary health centres covers the district’s 14 community development blocks.
Major Hospitals and Medical Centres
| Hospital | Type | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Howrah District Hospital | District Hospital | Howrah | 033-26413400 |
| Uluberia State General Hospital | State General | Uluberia | — |
| Sushrut Eye Foundation | Speciality | Howrah | — |
Howrah District Hospital is the mainstay of emergency care for the crowded city and surrounding areas, with specialist doctors and an emergency department. For complex or highly specialised treatment, patients are often referred across the river to advanced hospitals in Kolkata.
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. City roads can be congested, so in an emergency it is worth planning the route to the hospital in advance.
Health Services and Benefits
- Swasthya Sathi Card: Under the Swasthya Sathi scheme, every family in Howrah 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 14 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 industrial belt, dengue vigilance is especially important 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 the hot and humid weather and maintain good hygiene.
- 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.