Patna: The Honorable Health Minister of the Government of Bihar, Mr. Mangal Pandey, today launched the FCM (Ferric Carboxymaltose) Therapy Initiative (Ferric Carboxymaltose for Anemia Management) program at the Urja Auditorium, Rajvanshi Nagar, Patna. During the program, FCM injections were provided to 760 identified women in the state (20 each from each district). The state currently has approximately 200,000 doses available.
The Honorable Minister stated that under the leadership of the Honorable Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, and the Honorable Chief Minister, Mr. Nitish Kumar, health services in Bihar are continuously improving, and quality healthcare is being delivered to the public through modern technology. He also stated that under the leadership and guidance of the Honorable Chief Minister of Bihar, Mr. Nitish Kumar, new medicines are being added to the list of essential medicines under the free drug policy in the state, as per the demands and needs of the time. In this regard, a rate contract was signed in December 2025, including Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM) in the list of essential medicines. Now, district-wise supplies are being ensured, which will be ensured uninterrupted.
He informed that approximately 64 percent of pregnant women in Bihar are affected by anemia, which is our priority. The Honorable Minister directed that this service be made available in hospitals up to the block level within the next one month, so that the public can avail of it at their nearest health institution.
The Honorable Minister stated that anemia is a serious public health challenge, particularly affecting women and children. The state government is continuously working towards effective control and elimination of anemia. He stated that FCM (Ferric Carboxymaltose) therapy will provide quick, safe, and effective treatment to patients suffering from severe anemia, enabling rapid improvement in hemoglobin levels.
The Honorable Minister stated that this initiative is a strong step towards an “Anemia-Free Bihar.” He explained that anemia, especially in pregnant women, causes weakness, which adversely affects the health of newborns. In this context, FCM therapy will prove extremely useful in strengthening maternal and child health. He also explained that this therapy provides iron supplementation more effectively through injections, which is more beneficial than traditional iron tablets. He stated that the state government aims to reduce maternal mortality rates to 70 and infant mortality significantly by 2030, and FCM therapy will be instrumental in achieving these goals. The Health Department is continuously striving to achieve these goals.
Health Department Secretary Mr. Lokesh Kumar Singh stated that efforts are underway to train personnel, strengthen the supply chain, and strengthen institutional arrangements to ensure that FCM therapy reaches those in need through accessible channels. Additionally, awareness campaigns at the rural level will be conducted to connect more people with this program.
On this occasion, Shri Lokesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Health Department, Shri Amit Kumar Pandey, Executive Director, State Health Committee, Shri Kumar Gaurav, Additional Executive Director, State Health Committee, Dr. Anupama Singh, Additional Executive Director, State Health Committee, Shri Amitabh Singh, Private Secretary, Health Minister, Shri Rajesh Kumar, Administrative Officer, State Health Committee, Shri Devendra Khandait, Gates Foundation along with all the officers/employees of State Health Committee, Bihar and Piramal Foundation participated. Civil surgeons of all the districts and other health workers were also connected to the program through video conferencing.
