In a significant move aimed at supporting the state's aging population, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced the launch of a unique doorstep healthcare scheme for elderly citizens. The announcement was made via a detailed post on the social media platform X on Saturday.
Comprehensive Home-Based Medical Support
The newly unveiled initiative is designed to deliver a wide range of essential health services directly to the homes of needy senior citizens across Bihar. The CM stated that the scheme will provide nursing assistance, at-home pathology tests, blood pressure monitoring, ECG tests, physiotherapy, and other forms of emergency medical aid. This effort seeks to eliminate the need for vulnerable elders to travel for basic care.
Nitish Kumar has issued directives to the state's health department to implement the program rapidly. "We directed the health department to work rapidly to ensure that all the above health-related facilities are available to the senior citizens of the state at their homes," he wrote in his post.
Rooted in 'Development with Justice'
The Chief Minister framed this healthcare push within the broader governance philosophy of his government. He highlighted that since the NDA government came to power in Bihar on November 24, 2005, its mission has been the upliftment of all societal sections and the development of every sector, guided by the principle of 'development with justice'.
"We considered the entire Bihar as our family and took full care of everyone’s dignity and respect," Kumar noted. He added that the government is now intensifying efforts to ensure that people from every section of society can lead lives of ease and respect.
Part of the 'Saat Nishchay-3' Vision
This doorstep healthcare scheme falls under the umbrella of the government's 'Saat Nishchay-3' (Seven Resolutions-3) programme, which is slated for the period 2025 to 2030. The state cabinet recently approved the rollout of this five-year plan, with the core objective of elevating Bihar into the ranks of the country's most developed states.
The seventh resolution of this plan, titled 'Sabka Samman-Jeevan Aasan' (Ease of Living for All), specifically aims to reduce life's difficulties for all citizens and make daily living more straightforward. The senior citizen healthcare initiative is a direct component of this resolution.
In a call for public participation, CM Nitish Kumar has invited suggestions from citizens to further refine the scheme. "It is also necessary to identify what other facilities can be provided to make the lives of the state’s senior citizens easier. In this regard, if you wish to give any specific suggestions, you can submit your valuable suggestions through email or by post," he appealed.
The announcement marks a concrete step towards addressing the healthcare accessibility gap for Bihar's elderly, promising them dignity and essential medical support within the comfort of their homes.
