Bihar Health Minister Announces Major Hospital Infrastructure Expansion
In a significant development for Bihar's healthcare sector, Health Minister Mangal Pandey on Friday unveiled plans to substantially enhance medical infrastructure across the state. The announcement came during the Question Hour session of the legislative assembly, where the minister addressed multiple concerns raised by MLAs regarding healthcare facilities.
IGIMS Patna to Receive 1,450 Additional Beds
The centerpiece of the expansion involves adding 1,450 new beds to the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) in Patna during the upcoming financial year. This substantial increase aims to ensure patients receive timely treatment without enduring prolonged waiting periods, particularly addressing growing pressure on emergency and intensive care units.
Minister Pandey detailed the phased expansion, revealing that IGIMS has already grown from a 500-bed facility to a 2,000-bed hospital under the current administration. "Two blocks with 250 beds each have already been constructed, with one block currently operational," he explained. "Another building with a capacity of 1,200 beds will be completed by the next financial year."
The minister clarified that once the remaining 250 beds in the 500-bed building become functional alongside the new 1,200-bed facility, the total addition would reach 1,450 beds. He also provided statistics showing that 50,284 patients have been admitted and treated at IGIMS during the current financial year alone.
Transformation of Sadar Hospitals into Super Specialist Facilities
In another major initiative, all sadar hospitals across Bihar are being developed into super specialist hospitals. This comprehensive upgrade aims to provide advanced medical care at district levels, reducing the need for patients to travel to major cities for specialized treatment.
"Work on this ambitious plan has already commenced in several districts," Minister Pandey confirmed, indicating that the transformation process is actively underway throughout the state.
Addressing MLA Concerns on Healthcare Infrastructure
The minister's announcements came in response to concerns raised by MLAs from various political parties during the assembly session. BJP, JD(U), and Congress members had expressed worries about healthcare infrastructure gaps affecting patient care.
JD(U) member Manjeet Kumar Singh specifically raised the issue of a CT-scan machine lying idle at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH). Minister Pandey assured the assembly that the machine would become operational after receiving approval from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), which is currently examining the equipment. He further announced that technicians for both MRI and CT-scan machines at PMCH would be recruited soon.
Forensic Delays and Postmortem Procedures Addressed
BJP MLA Jibesh Kumar highlighted a critical backlog in forensic investigations, noting that over 3,000 viscera reports have been pending across Bihar for more than three years. This substantial delay has severely impacted judicial processes and denied timely justice and compensation to accident victims and their families, according to the MLA's concerns.
Additionally, RJD MLA Kumar Sarvjeet requested the government to modify rules regarding postmortem procedures for accidental deaths, specifically addressing the current restriction that prevents postmortems from being conducted after 5 PM.
The comprehensive announcements and responses during the assembly session underscore the Bihar government's focus on addressing healthcare infrastructure challenges through both immediate expansions and long-term strategic upgrades to medical facilities across the state.
