Patna: The Bihar health department has initiated a major expansion of the state’s healthcare infrastructure, with plans to establish new medical colleges and hospitals in seven districts at an estimated cost of Rs 2,860 crore. The project aims to improve healthcare access and increase the number of medical seats across the state.
The proposed colleges will be built in Araria, Banka, Jehanabad, Aurangabad, Nawada, Kaimur, and Khagaria, as per an announcement made by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during his “Pragati Yatra” held between December 2024 and February 2025.
Land acquisition and site preparation are at various stages of completion. In Araria, 20 acres of land have already been acquired, and construction is expected to begin shortly. Land identification has been completed in the remaining districts, except Khagaria, where private land acquisition is planned.
Due to the need for private land purchase in Khagaria, a higher budget allocation of Rs 460 crore has been approved for that site, compared to Rs 400 crore each for the other six districts. Local administrations have been instructed to expedite land transfer processes to avoid delays in construction.
This move is part of the Bihar government’s long-term strategy to establish medical colleges in all districts, significantly expanding healthcare capacity and educational infrastructure. Once operational, these new institutions are expected to improve access to quality healthcare, particularly in underserved regions.
At present, Bihar has 15 government-run medical colleges. The oldest, Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) and Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), were established in 1925. Between 1925 and 1979, six medical colleges were founded in Patna, Darbhanga, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Muzaffarpur. Post-2005, additional colleges were set up in Betiah, Pawapuri, Madhepura, Purnia, Samastipur and Chhapra. Alongside these, three medical colleges are operated by the central government.
