CM Nitish Kumar Reviews Progress of Major 1,200-Bed Hospital at IGIMS in Patna
Patna Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted a detailed inspection on Saturday of the ongoing construction of a significant new healthcare facility at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) campus in the state capital. The CM directed officials to accelerate the remaining construction phases to ensure timely completion of this critical infrastructure project.
State-of-the-Art Multi-Super Specialty Hospital to Enhance Patient Care
During his site visit, Nitish Kumar emphasized the transformative impact the new hospital will have on healthcare delivery in Bihar. "With the completion of this state-of-the-art multi super speciality hospital, patients will have better facilities for treatment. Additionally, the state's health services will become better and more advanced," the Chief Minister stated while examining the under-construction structure.
Officials present during the inspection provided assurances to the CM that construction work was advancing rapidly and would be finished according to schedule. The upcoming facility represents a substantial addition to Bihar's medical infrastructure.
Massive Seven-Storey Structure with 11 Lakh Square Foot Area
A health department official detailed the specifications of the new hospital building on Saturday: "The upcoming facility is a seven-storey building covering a total area of over 11 lakh square feet. It is being built at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 513 crore. Upon completion of this 1,200-bed project and other ongoing expansions, the total capacity of IGIMS is expected to reach 3,000 beds."
Healthcare Transformation Since 2005 Government Formation
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar reflected on the healthcare improvements implemented since his government first took office in November 2005. "Since Nov 24, 2005, when our government was formed for the first time in the state, work was done for the upliftment of all sections of society and development of every sector. Several important works were done in the health sector," he noted.
The CM provided specific metrics demonstrating the healthcare transformation: "Earlier, only 39 patients used to come to primary health centers (PHCs) for treatment per month, meaning 1 or 2 patients per day. Since 2006, complete arrangements for free medicines and treatment were made in hospitals. Now an average of 11,600 patients come to PHCs every month."
Major Expansion of Medical Education and Hospital Capacity
Nitish Kumar highlighted the substantial growth in medical infrastructure across Bihar: "Earlier Bihar had only six medical colleges, which has now increased to 12. The Patna Medical College and Hospital is being expanded to 5,400 beds, and the other five old medical colleges are being expanded to 2,500 beds. IGIMS is also being expanded to 3,000 beds."
The Chief Minister concluded by emphasizing the broader impact of these developments: "The health system has been significantly strengthened, due to which people of Bihar are getting good health facilities." The inspection and subsequent statements underscore the state government's continued focus on enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality through substantial infrastructure investments and policy initiatives.
