Patna: The Bihar government has decided to appoint 1,080 specialist doctors, including ophthalmologists and Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) experts, at block-level Community Health Centres (CHCs) in a move aimed at strengthening healthcare services in rural areas. The decision involves the creation of two specialist posts at each CHC, and the recruitment process is expected to begin soon.
The initiative has been taken under the Saat Nischay-3 programme to enhance the quality of healthcare infrastructure in the state. According to a communication sent by the Special Secretary of the Health Department to the Accountant General, several key specialist posts such as general surgeons, physicians, gynaecologists, paediatricians and anaesthetists are already sanctioned at CHCs in accordance with the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS).
Officials said the latest decision is part of a broader effort to upgrade community health centres into speciality-level medical facilities. Under the plan, one ophthalmologist and one ENT specialist will be appointed at each centre. The posts have been sanctioned for 534 CHCs across the state along with six additional community health centres.
In total, the state will recruit 540 ophthalmologists and 540 ENT specialists. The government has estimated that the appointments will involve an annual expenditure of around Rs 155 crore, 6 lakh, 89 thousand and 920.
Health department officials believe the move will significantly improve access to medical services in rural areas. With specialists available at the block level, patients suffering from eye, ear, nose or throat conditions will no longer need to travel to district headquarters for treatment.
The government expects that the step will reduce both travel costs and time for patients while ensuring faster and better access to specialised healthcare closer to their homes.
