During the centenary celebration of Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) on February 25, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the necessity for enhancing Bihar’s medical infrastructure. She highlighted the importance of adopting modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence and robotics, to simplify medical procedures and improve treatment accuracy.
Embracing Technological Advancements
President Murmu urged PMCH stakeholders to remain proactive in integrating the latest technologies into their practices. She noted that leveraging these innovations can facilitate collaboration with experts worldwide, enhancing education, research, and patient care. By creating a network among current and former PMCH doctors, the institution can foster continuous learning and improved patient outcomes.
Decentralizing Healthcare Facilities
Addressing the challenges faced by patients seeking treatment outside Bihar, President Murmu advocated for the decentralization of quality medical institutions across the country. She cited cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Indore as examples of centers that have developed specialized treatment facilities. Establishing similar centers in Bihar would not only provide residents with better medical services but also stimulate the state’s economic growth.
State Government Initiatives
Bihar’s Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, highlighted the state’s efforts to expand medical education and infrastructure. Since assuming office in 2005, the number of medical colleges in Bihar has increased from six to twelve, with plans for an additional fourteen institutions. The goal is to ensure that every district in the state houses a medical college, thereby improving access to quality healthcare and medical education.
Upgrading Existing Medical Institutions
The state government has undertaken significant projects to enhance existing medical facilities. The PMCH is undergoing a major renovation, expanding to a 5,462-bed capacity, which will position it among the largest hospitals globally in terms of patient beds. Additionally, five other longstanding medical colleges are being upgraded to 2,500 beds each, and the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences is set to expand to 3,000 beds.
Improving Healthcare Accessibility
Chief Minister Kumar also addressed the transformation in healthcare accessibility at the primary level. In 2005, primary health centers in Bihar averaged a monthly patient footfall of 49, which has now surged to approximately 11,000. This remarkable increase reflects the state’s commitment to enhancing primary healthcare services and ensuring that medical facilities are accessible to a broader population.
Federal Support and Future Plans
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda acknowledged Bihar’s progress in the healthcare sector, attributing it to the collaborative efforts of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. He noted that Bihar, alongside Jammu and Kashmir, is among the few states to receive two All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) — one operational in Patna and another under construction in Darbhanga. Furthermore, the central government is working on converting eight district hospitals in Bihar into medical colleges, aiming to bolster medical education and healthcare services in the region.
Historical Significance of PMCH
Established in February 1925 as the Prince of Wales Medical College, PMCH has a rich history of medical education and service. Originally founded as Temple Medical School in 1874 with an initial enrollment of 30 students, the institution has evolved into a premier medical college affiliated with the Bihar University of Health Sciences. As PMCH celebrates its centenary, it continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the medical landscape of Bihar and beyond.
Conclusion
The centenary celebration of PMCH served as a platform to reflect on Bihar’s medical journey and chart a course for future advancements. President Murmu’s call for technological integration, decentralization of healthcare facilities, and collaborative efforts underscores the collective responsibility of stakeholders to elevate Bihar’s healthcare standards. With continued focus and investment, the state is poised to overcome existing challenges and provide its residents with accessible, high-quality medical care.
