Patna: The Bihar government is evaluating the operation of 33 medical colleges and hospitals under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. This includes 17 greenfield and 16 brownfield institutions, as part of its strategy to enhance healthcare services and medical education infrastructure across the state.
Stakeholder Meeting
The proposal was discussed during a stakeholder meeting organized by the health department on Wednesday. Over 80 institutions, investors, and healthcare experts from Bihar and other states including Punjab, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh participated in the meeting.
Government's Commitment
Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit addressed the gathering, stating that the state's priority is to ensure access to quality healthcare services. He mentioned that the government is creating a conducive environment for investment in the health sector. Improved infrastructure, transparent procedures, ease of doing business, and a single-window clearance system are being implemented to attract private participation.
Details of the Proposal
Health Secretary Kumar Ravi informed that the government is examining the possibility of operating newly approved medical colleges and hospitals in 17 districts under the PPP model. Each district would be provided with 20 to 25 acres of land for the proposed institutions. A transaction adviser will be appointed to provide technical guidance and support project implementation. Written suggestions from stakeholders have been sought and will be reviewed before finalizing the framework. The selection of institutions will be carried out through a transparent bidding process.
Potential Benefits
Participants at the meeting noted that the initiative could help expand access to medical education and healthcare services while generating employment opportunities in the state.
Attendance
Senior officials from the health department, the State Health Society, and Bihar Medical Services and Infrastructure Corporation Limited (BMSICL) were also present at the meeting.
