Health Minister Announces Major Expansion in State Healthcare Infrastructure
Patna: Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey announced in the State Assembly on Thursday that the government will construct over 1,500 new hospital buildings in rural areas in the next financial year (2025-26).
The announcement came during discussions on the Health Department’s budget of ₹20,035.80 crore, which was passed by a voice vote.
Key Healthcare Initiatives
- Expansion of Medical Colleges & Hospitals:
- Bihar currently has 12 medical colleges and hospitals.
- The government plans to establish 22 new medical colleges in the coming year.
- Increase in MBBS Seats & Hospital Beds:
- Current MBBS seats: 2,870 → Will increase to 5,220.
- Existing hospital beds: 18,984 → Will rise to 28,884.
- Patna Medical College & Hospital is being expanded to 5,462 beds, making it the second-largest hospital in the world.
- 24×7 Primary Health Centres:
- All Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are now operational round-the-clock.
- The number of patients seeking treatment at government hospitals has increased significantly.
Efforts to Reduce Maternal Mortality
The Bihar government has successfully reduced the maternal mortality rate from 312 to 118 per lakh and aims to bring it down to 70 per lakh in the coming years.
“Our goal is to provide quality healthcare to every citizen, especially in rural areas,” said Pandey, emphasizing the government’s commitment to strengthening Bihar’s health infrastructure.
