Kolkata, 05th August 2026: News18 Bangla successfully concluded the 4th edition of the News18 Bangla Healthcare Summit 2026, bringing together some of the state’s most distinguished healthcare professionals, policymakers, and medical institutions to celebrate excellence, compassion, and selfless service in healthcare. The summit, which was graced by Dr Sharadwat Mukherjee, Hon’ble Minister of State, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal, as the Chief Guest, marked the most expansive edition yet, with several new segments introduced to broaden recognition of Bengal’s healthcare community.
What set this year’s edition apart was its deliberate effort to go beyond conventional healthcare awards. The summit honoured not only medical excellence but also the deeply human stories of dedication and sacrifice that continue to strengthen Bengal’s healthcare fabric. From pioneering doctors and trailblazing women in medicine to the nurses, paramedics, technicians, and ASHA workers who form the invisible backbone of the system, the evening shone a light on every layer of the healthcare ecosystem.
A defining highlight of this year’s summit was the introduction of three exclusive recognition categories. The Agnishwar Samman was instituted to recognise doctors whose exceptional dedication and service have transformed healthcare and inspired society. The Abhaya Samman honoured women doctors who have broken barriers and made remarkable contributions to the sector. And the Swasthya Bondhu Samman celebrated nurses, paramedics, technicians, support staff, and ASHA workers — the unsung heroes whose tireless commitment makes quality healthcare possible at the grassroots level.
The summit was graced by an eminent gathering of dignitaries, including Dr. Sharadwat Mukherjee, Hon’ble Minister of State, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal; Smt. Agnimitra Paul, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Government of West Bengal; Dr. Ajay Kumar Poddar, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Public Works Department & Public Health Engineering, Government of West Bengal; Dr Indranil Khan, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Department of Youth Services & Sports and Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of West Bengal; and Dr. Sumay Hira, Hon’ble MLA, West Bengal Legislative Assembly. Their presence underscored the significance of the initiative and the growing recognition of healthcare excellence as a cornerstone of Bengal’s social and economic progress.
Through this initiative, News18 Bangla reaffirmed its commitment to recognising individuals and institutions that continue to make a meaningful impact on society through healthcare, while building a platform that inspires future generations of medical professionals. The summit will be telecast on News18 Bangla on 8th & 9th August, 2026, from 9 AM onwards.
