This document summarizes key indicators and experiences from a state health system development project in West Bengal, India. It shows that the project led to significant improvements in hospital utilization rates, access for poor patients, availability of diagnostic services, and patient satisfaction levels over the period from 1997 to 2003. Some challenges remain around ensuring continued funding for recurrent costs, strengthening primary healthcare, improving staff motivation, and managing private sector quality. Overall, the project demonstrates that targeted investments in infrastructure combined with system interventions can substantially improve public healthcare efficiency and outcomes, especially for underserved groups.