In a significant move aimed at bolstering healthcare infrastructure in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted a comprehensive inspection of the newly constructed emergency unit building at Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH) on Friday. This inspection is a part of the hospital's massive redevelopment project, valued at a staggering Rs 5,540 crore.
A Floor-by-Floor Review of Medical Facilities
The Chief Minister's visit was marked by a detailed assessment of the medical services and facilities being set up. Starting his inspection on the third floor, Kumar examined the outpatient departments (OPDs) for general medicine, dental care, and obstetrics and gynaecology, seeking detailed information on the patient services that will be offered.
He then proceeded to the sixth floor to review critical facilities including the modular operation theatres (OTs), the intensive care unit (ICU), oxygen pipeline services, and consultation rooms. His focus remained on ensuring that the infrastructure meets the highest standards of patient care.
Focus on the Air Ambulance and Project Timeline
A key highlight of the inspection was the Chief Minister's visit to the topmost floor, dedicated to the air ambulance landing area. Here, he sought updates on the construction progress and issued clear instructions to officials to accelerate the work for completion within the stipulated timeframe.
Emphasizing quality and security, Kumar stated, "Take special care that construction work is done in a better manner." He also offered a specific suggestion, noting that "the height of the boundary wall of the air ambulance landing area should be adequate from a security perspective."
The Journey of PMCH's Redevelopment
The ambitious journey to transform PMCH began when CM Nitish Kumar laid its foundation stone on February 8, 2021. The project has seen several milestones since, including the inauguration of the combined ultrasound and biochemical screening (CUB) unit, myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) facility, and a nurses’ and girls’ hostel on February 27, 2024. This event also saw the laying of the foundation stone for the power grid, leading to the operationalization of the Bihar State Blood Repository on the CUB's second floor.
More recently, on May 3, 2024, the Chief Minister inaugurated the newly constructed Tower-01-02. This building is a hub of advanced medical services:
- The basement provides parking for 120 four-wheelers and two-wheelers.
- The first floor houses advanced diagnostic facilities like CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, and X-ray, alongside the ENT inpatient department (IPD).
- Medicine IPD, dermatology, and venereal disease IPD are operational on the second and fourth floors.
- The third floor accommodates a wide range of OPDs, including PSM, medicine, geriatrics, paediatrics, and cardiology.
- Upper floors are set to host specialized units like the obstetrics and gynaecology IPD, labour OT, NICU, 22 modular OTs, and faculty rooms.
- The topmost tenth floor is being prepared with a helipad facility for critical patient transfers.
This thorough inspection underscores the state government's commitment to modernizing healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that the people of Bihar have access to world-class medical facilities in a timely manner.
