Budget Session Highlights Healthcare Infrastructure Gaps
The recent Bihar budget session has once again brought attention to the widening gap between healthcare infrastructure and actual service delivery across the state. While government hospitals, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and Community Health Centres (CHCs) have been constructed in many areas, several continue to function without adequate doctors, specialists, or diagnostic staff, directly affecting patient care.
Acute Doctor Shortage Dominates Debate
During proceedings of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, the shortage of doctors emerged as one of the most pressing concerns raised by MLAs. Legislators across party lines highlighted vacant posts, non-functional facilities, and the absence of specialists in multiple districts.
38% Health Questions Focused on Doctor Requirement
According to reports, the findings stem from an analysis of over 3,800 questions raised across 49 departments during 19 days of sittings. Out of 387 questions directed at the health department, nearly 38 per cent centred on the urgent need to fill vacant doctor positions.
Hospitals Without Specialists and Technicians
MLAs pointed out that in several government facilities there are no paediatricians, gynaecologists, orthopaedic surgeons, or physicians. In many centres, even diagnostic equipment such as X-ray and ultrasound machines remains unused due to a lack of trained technicians, rendering infrastructure investments ineffective.
Demand for Over 2,000 Doctor Appointments
Lawmakers collectively demanded the immediate appointment of more than 2,000 doctors, around 65 per cent of them specialists. Districts such as Motihari, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur, and Gaya were specifically mentioned as facing acute shortages. Additionally, 34 questions sought the opening of 41 new health sub-centres, with Motihari, Bettiah, and Araria reporting the highest demand.
Young MLA Raises Ground-Level Concerns
Bihar’s youngest MLA, Maithili Thakur, expressed dissatisfaction during the session, directly urging the Health Minister to personally inspect a hospital in her constituency. She stated that the building was in poor condition and that healthcare services were being run from a small room without any MBBS doctors.
Demand for Ministerial Inspection
Voicing her disappointment, she said she was not satisfied with the official reply that claimed the building required only minor repairs. She insisted that the minister reassess the situation, noting that she had personally witnessed the poor infrastructure and the lack of medical staff.
Ruling Alliance MLAs Question Own Government
On multiple occasions, MLAs from the ruling alliance sharply questioned their own government over healthcare deficiencies, a stance typically associated with opposition members. The session underscored the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure that healthcare infrastructure is matched with adequate manpower and functional services across Bihar.
