Patna, June 5 (IANS) After the recent fire at a private hospital in Muzaffarpur that claimed multiple lives, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Bihar President Mangni Lal Mandal expressed deep concern over the incident and sharply criticised the state government’s healthcare system.

Mandal said that if government healthcare facilities in Bihar were adequately developed, people would not be forced to rely heavily on private hospitals for treatment.

According to him, many private healthcare institutions allegedly fail to comply with essential safety standards, while regulatory oversight remains inadequate.

The RJD leader alleged that a significant number of private hospitals in the state operate without proper fire safety and security arrangements. He claimed that lax enforcement of safety regulations has allowed such institutions to continue functioning despite potential risks.

Referring to the Muzaffarpur incident, Mandal argued that stricter monitoring and enforcement of fire safety norms could help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Mandal also questioned the response of Bihar’s Health Minister Nishant Kumar, alleging that the government did not display sufficient urgency following the fire.

According to the RJD leader, while the incident was unfolding, the Health Minister was away in Delhi and did not immediately visit Muzaffarpur or publicly express condolences.

He further alleged that the Minister returned to Patna only after criticism from the media and opposition parties, and that he had yet to meet the affected families.

The remarks reflect the opposition’s broader criticism of the state’s handling of the tragedy.

The Bihar RJD President has demanded that the state government provide Rs 50 lakh as compensation to the families of each deceased victim.

The party has also called for strict action against hospitals allegedly violating safety norms, stronger regulation of private healthcare institutions, expansion of ICU facilities in government hospitals, and the availability of essential diagnostic services, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and other medical tests, within public healthcare centres.

Mandal further argued that, with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) having governed Bihar for nearly two decades under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, the ruling establishment should explain when substantial improvements to the state’s healthcare infrastructure will be realised.

–IANS

ajk/dan