Patna : Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has directed the Health Department to give priority to investors and doctors from Bihar in proposed medical college projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. He has also clarified that the arrangement will not involve the transfer of government ownership to private entities.
The directions were issued during a review meeting at Sankalp Hall at the Lok Sevak residence on Thursday. The proposal aims to make better use of existing infrastructure, expand medical education and improve access to quality healthcare while keeping education affordable.
Under the proposed model, private partners will participate in the development and operation of brownfield medical colleges and hospitals, while ownership will remain with the government.
Government Ownership To Remain With State
Choudhary stressed that government ownership and public interest must be protected under the proposed arrangement. He directed the Health Department to establish a clear contractual policy defining responsibilities and ensuring transparency in operations.
The proposal rules out privatisation and the transfer of ownership of the medical colleges and hospitals to private entities.
Health Department Secretary Kumar Ravi gave a presentation outlining the proposal for operating brownfield medical colleges under the PPP model.
Local Investors And Doctors To Get Preference
The Chief Minister directed officials to prioritise investors from Bihar who wish to participate in the projects. Doctors from the state interested in joining the initiative will also be given preference.
He instructed the department to consider existing infrastructure, operational arrangements, academic quality and the availability of better healthcare services while taking the proposals forward.
The proposed model is intended to expand medical education and strengthen healthcare facilities by encouraging private participation without giving up government ownership.
Patient Rights And Hospital Charges To Be Displayed
The proposed framework will require important information about hospital services to be displayed in both Hindi and English, on hospital premises and through online platforms.
This information will include prescribed charges, patient eligibility, categories of beds and patients’ rights. The measure is intended to help patients and their families understand available services, facilities and costs.
The Chief Minister said the government would focus on expanding medical education while protecting students’ interests, patient rights and access to quality healthcare.
Patna Ayurvedic College To Be Modernised
During the meeting, Choudhary also directed officials to modernise the Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital in Patna.
He called for the institution to be connected with leading Ayurveda institutions across the country to improve its facilities and academic capabilities.
Health Minister Nishant, Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit and senior Health Department officials attended the meeting.
The Health Department will take forward the PPP medical college proposals with a focus on infrastructure, transparent operations, academic standards and better healthcare services for the public.
