The state is set for a major expansion of its healthcare and medical education infrastructure with plans to establish an additional AIIMS, a dedicated cancer hospital, four new medical colleges and multiple super specialty healthcare facilities. The proposed expansion is expected to significantly strengthen tertiary healthcare services while creating additional opportunities for medical education and specialist training.

As part of the expansion roadmap, the state will add 650 MBBS seats across 13 medical colleges, further increasing the availability of undergraduate medical education. In addition, more than 450 postgraduate medical seats are planned, helping address the growing demand for specialist doctors and strengthening the healthcare workforce.

The proposed healthcare infrastructure development also includes the establishment of a new cancer hospital, aimed at improving access to advanced oncology services and reducing the need for patients to travel outside the state for specialized treatment. Cancer remains one of India’s leading public health challenges, with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) estimating that the country records over 14 lakh new cancer cases annually, making investments in oncology infrastructure increasingly important.

To improve access to advanced healthcare in underserved regions, new super specialty hospitals are also planned in the Sundarbans, Purulia and Darjeeling. These facilities are expected to provide specialized services in cardiology, neurology, critical care, nephrology and other advanced medical disciplines closer to patients residing in remote and geographically challenging areas.

The addition of another AIIMS is expected to further strengthen the state’s healthcare ecosystem by enhancing access to high quality tertiary care, medical research and advanced clinical training. AIIMS institutions have played a critical role in improving healthcare delivery and medical education across India, while also serving as centres of excellence for research and innovation.

Healthcare experts have welcomed the expansion plans, noting that increasing medical college capacity is essential for addressing India’s doctor shortage. According to government data, the country has witnessed a significant increase in medical education infrastructure over the past decade, with the number of medical colleges and MBBS seats more than doubling nationwide.

The proposed projects are expected to improve healthcare accessibility, reduce patient burden on existing tertiary care centres and create a stronger pipeline of trained medical professionals. They also align with broader efforts to strengthen regional healthcare infrastructure and ensure equitable access to specialized medical services.

Once completed, the new institutions and healthcare facilities are expected to play a transformative role in improving patient care, medical education and public health outcomes while supporting the state’s long term healthcare development goals.