Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal and the largest medical hub of eastern India. In this metropolis of about 4.5 million people stand some of the country’s oldest and most respected government medical institutions — such as Medical College and Hospital, SSKM Hospital (IPGMER) and NRS Medical College. Not only city residents, but thousands of patients arrive in Kolkata every day from every corner of the state and from neighbouring states in search of advanced treatment. A dense network of government hospitals, private nursing homes and diagnostic centres spans the city.
Major Hospitals and Medical Centres
| Hospital | Type | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical College & Hospital | Medical College | College Street | 033-22551612 |
| SSKM Hospital (IPGMER) | Super Speciality | Bhowanipore | — |
| Calcutta National Medical College | Medical College | Sealdah | — |
| NRS Medical College | Medical College | Sealdah | 033-22860033 |
Medical College and Hospital on College Street is one of Asia’s oldest medical colleges — it offers specialist care in every department, along with ICU and emergency services. SSKM Hospital and IPGMER are the leading centres for super-speciality treatment and medical research. NRS Medical College and Calcutta National Medical College in Sealdah are the lifelines of central Kolkata’s millions.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 100
- Ambulance: 108
- Fire: 101
- KYC (Women and Child Helpline): 1078
The Kolkata Police control room can be reached at 033-2214-3000. Besides the 108 ambulance service in emergencies, many hospitals run their own ambulance fleets — it is wise to contact the hospital in advance.
Health Services and Benefits
- Swasthya Sathi Card: Under the Swasthya Sathi scheme, every family in the city gets free treatment up to an annual limit at government and empanelled private hospitals empanelled by the state government. For card corrections, contact your ward office of the Municipal Corporation or a digital service centre.
- Government Hospital OPDs: The city’s medical colleges and hospitals offer free outpatient consultations, pathology and medicines. Popular hospitals see queues from early morning — arriving before daybreak is advisable.
- Immunisation: Complete childhood vaccination and maternal vaccines are given regularly through the Municipal Corporation and health centres.
- Maternal and Child Care: Institutional delivery and postnatal care are now accessible to almost everyone at the city’s government hospitals.
- Disease Control: To curb seasonal diseases like dengue, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation runs regular mosquito-control operations — clearing stagnant water at home is every resident’s responsibility.
Health Tips
- Keep up regular walking or exercise amid the busy urban life — it lowers the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Choose home-cooked, fresh food over eating out, and cut down on fried snacks.
- Use a face mask when air pollution is high, especially in winter.
- Get your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol checked at least once a year.
- During dengue season, regularly clean flower pots, fridge trays and any standing water on rooftops.