Patna, July 1 (IANS) Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar has announced a series of measures aimed at improving the functioning of government hospitals, including the installation of CCTV cameras across all state-run healthcare facilities and the deployment of additional ambulances on highways.

The announcements were made on Wednesday after the minister heard public grievances during a Janata Darbar at the JD(U) state office in Patna.

Nishant Kumar said CCTV cameras will be installed in all government hospitals in Bihar to facilitate continuous monitoring of hospital operations.

According to the minister, the surveillance system will be connected to a control room in Patna, enabling officials to monitor staff attendance and the functioning of hospitals.

He noted that complaints are frequently received regarding doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff not reporting for duty on time.

He said disciplinary action would be taken against personnel found negligent through the monitoring process.

The Health Minister stated that government hospitals are expected to stock 504 categories of medicines, but currently only around 350 varieties are available.

He directed officials to ensure that all designated medicines are supplied regularly so that patients can access the prescribed drugs without facing shortages.

Nishant Kumar also stressed the need to keep essential medical equipment operational.

He said special attention would be given to the maintenance of MRI machines, CT scanners, and other diagnostic equipment.

The minister noted that situations where equipment remains non-functional for months or years should not occur.

If hospitals lack trained technicians or operators, appointments will be made to ensure diagnostic services remain available.

To improve emergency medical response, Nishant Kumar announced that the government plans to deploy 100 ambulances along national and state highways across Bihar.

He also revealed plans to strengthen trauma care infrastructure through the establishment of 11 level-3 trauma centres and 5 level-3 trauma hospitals.

The proposed facilities are intended to provide quicker treatment to accident victims and improve emergency healthcare services.

Nishant Kumar said improving healthcare services remains a priority for the state government, and that hospital performance will be monitored continuously.

Referring to his recent inspection of Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), he recalled expressing dissatisfaction with the conditions there and stated that surprise inspections of government hospitals across Bihar would continue to ensure better service delivery and accountability.

–IANS

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