Patna: A review meeting of the Health Department was held on June 1 via video conferencing, chaired by Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar, with participation from Regional Additional Directors, Civil Surgeons of all districts, and senior officials of the department.
The meeting assessed ongoing health programmes and service delivery across government health institutions in the state.
Focus on Patient-Centric Services
The Health Minister said that ensuring quality and timely healthcare for patients across all institutions remains the top priority of the government. He directed officials to strengthen “May I Help You” help desks in hospitals to improve patient assistance and streamline access to services.
He also instructed hospitals to improve OPD management systems in view of rising patient numbers. This includes better registration counters, token-based queue systems, and smoother functioning of radiology, pathology, and pharmacy services.
Strengthening Referral System from July 15
Nishant announced that the referral system in district hospitals will be further strengthened from July 15.
He emphasised that patients should receive appropriate treatment at the local level wherever possible, and be referred to higher centres only when necessary, ensuring faster and more efficient care delivery.
Staff Attendance and Monitoring Measures
The Health Minister directed that 100% attendance of doctors and healthcare workers must be ensured across all facilities. Services are to be strictly provided as per duty rosters.
He also ordered the preparation of a Health Professional Registry (HPR) for all doctors and paramedical staff, to be mapped with the ‘BHAVYA’ portal for better tracking and administration.
Regular surprise inspections were also mandated to monitor hospital functioning and service quality.
Infrastructure, Cleanliness and Anti-Intermediary Action
Civil Surgeons were instructed to ensure availability of essential medicines, functional medical equipment, and cleanliness across OPDs, IPDs, wards, restrooms, and hospital premises.
The minister also directed strict legal action against middlemen and touts found misleading patients and families within hospital premises.
Push for Digital Health Services
Special emphasis was placed on expanding digital health services. The Health Minister instructed that ABHA-based OPD registration be implemented for all patients to support the development of Electronic Health Records across institutions.
Strengthening Health Infrastructure Under ‘Saat Nishchay Part-3’
Under the ‘Saat Nishchay Part-3’ initiative, directions were issued to upgrade district hospitals into super-specialty centres and 332 Community Health Centres into speciality medical facilities within the stipulated timeline.
