Malda, known as the mango capital of northern West Bengal, is a large district with a population of about 4 million spread across 15 community development blocks. At the heart of the district’s health infrastructure is Malda Medical College and Hospital in English Bazar — a major advanced-care centre for the Malda division, drawing patients from neighbouring districts as well. Beyond the district headquarters, Chanchal Sub-divisional Hospital and Kaliachak Super Speciality Hospital carry the medical load of the rural hinterland, while a network of primary health centres covers the blocks.
Major Hospitals and Medical Centres
| Hospital | Type | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malda Medical College & Hospital | Medical College | English Bazar | 03512-221087 |
| District Hospital, English Bazar | District Hospital | English Bazar | — |
| Chanchal Sub-divisional Hospital | Sub-divisional | Chanchal | 9932971669 |
| Kaliachak Super Speciality Hospital | Super Speciality | Kaliachak | — |
Malda Medical College and Hospital offers specialist doctors, ICU facilities, an emergency department and advanced surgical services. The hospitals at Chanchal and Kaliachak are the nearest care centres for people of the Ganges diara belt and border villages — critical patients are referred from there to the medical college.
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. Before travelling with a patient from a remote block to English Bazar, it is wise to check with the medical college in advance.
Health Services and Benefits
- Swasthya Sathi Card: Under the Swasthya Sathi scheme, every family in Malda gets free treatment up to an annual limit at government and empanelled private hospitals. For card corrections, contact the block office or a digital service centre.
- Primary Health Centres: The district’s 15 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.
- Nutrition and Medical Camps: Mangoes available in season are a good source of nutrition; eye, dental and general health camps are regularly organised by the government and NGOs.
Health Tips
- Drink plenty of water in summer — the risk of heatstroke and dehydration is higher in the Ganges diara belt.
- During the monsoon, clear stagnant water and use mosquito nets to prevent dengue and malaria.
- Regular walking and seasonal fruits lower the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
- After 40, get a full health check-up at least once a year.
- Make sure every family member knows the emergency numbers.