Bengal’s ‘Suswasthya Kendras’ to be renamed ‘Ayushman Arogya Mandir’, CM Suvendu to hold meeting on "free-treatment"

The long-standing administrative deadlock between West Bengal and the Central government regarding the branding of primary healthcare facilities has come to an end. The health and wellness centres across the state, previously known as ‘Suswasthya Kendra’ under the Trinamool Congress regime, are now being officially re-branded as ‘Ayushman Arogya Mandir’ (AAM). This transition follows the specific guidelines mandated by the National Health Mission (NHM), which requires all such facilities to display the ‘Ayushman Bharat’ identity uniformly across the country. CM Suvendu Adhikari in Delhi, said that he will hold a meeting over "free-treatment" at the AAM centres.

The physical transformation of these units is already underway, involving a significant aesthetic overhaul. In accordance with NHM directives, the previous blue-and-white color scheme is being replaced with a palette of metallic yellow and ethnic brown. The Chief Municipal Health Officer of the KMC and Chief Medical Officers of Health (CMOH) in all districts have received strict instructions to implement these changes, which also include the mandatory display of six specific emblems representing Ayushman Bharat and NHM.

For over two years, the previous state government had resisted this change, specifically objecting to the use of the word 'mandir' and the prescribed color scheme, which led to accusations of the Centre withholding vital NHM funds. With approximately 10,652 health units—including 400 urban primary health centres—operating across Bengal, these facilities are critical to public health. State health officials confirmed that now that the administrative "decks are cleared," the transition will move forward rapidly to ensure compliance and the continued flow of central funding.