Daijiworld Media Network - Patna
Patna., Feb 25: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar took a direct swipe at the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Tuesday, criticizing the state’s healthcare infrastructure during the leadership of former Chief Ministers Lalu Prasad and his wife Rabri Devi. Speaking at the centenary celebrations of Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), where President Droupadi Murmu was present, Kumar emphasized the improvements Bihar has seen in the healthcare sector under his tenure.
“Hospitals were in a dire state during Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi’s time,” Kumar said. “Before we took charge in 2005, Primary Health Centres (PHCs) saw an average of only 39 visitors per month. Today, over 11,000 patients seek care at these centres each month. We've completely transformed Bihar's healthcare system with better facilities and infrastructure.”
The Chief Minister further highlighted the ongoing transformation at PMCH, stating that the hospital would soon become the world’s second-largest medical facility, with a total of 5,462 beds. The hospital is also set to feature a helipad to accommodate air ambulances for emergency cases, with a total budget allocation of Rs 5,540 crore for its expansion.
“The development of hospitals in Bihar has been a top priority for us. PMCH will soon be a world-class healthcare institution,” he added.
In addition to his healthcare comments, Kumar also criticized the previous RJD government for its failures in maintaining law and order in the state. “Before 2005, people feared stepping out of their homes after sunset because of the deteriorating law and order situation. The previous government created divisions in society for political gain. The education system was in ruins, and roads were few and in poor condition,” he said.
Earlier in the day, President Murmu was received at Patna airport by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, CM Nitish, BJP President J. P. Nadda, and Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha. The event also saw the participation of over 3,500 former PMCH students who traveled from across India and abroad to attend the milestone celebration.