Patna: Health Minister Nishant conducted a surprise inspection of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital on Tuesday, reviewing patient care, cleanliness, treatment protocols, and healthcare services. Health Department Secretary Kumar Ravi accompanied the minister during the visit.
The inspection covered the Trauma Centre, inpatient wards, outpatient department (OPD), pathology services, medicine distribution centre, canteen, MRI centre, and the under-construction 400-bed hospital building.
Cleanliness and Patient Care Under Scrutiny
The minister began the inspection at the Trauma Centre, where he interacted with admitted patients and their attendants to assess the quality of treatment and hospital facilities. After receiving feedback, he directed the hospital administration to improve cleanliness standards immediately.
During visits to hospital wards, the OPD, and men’s restrooms, Nishant expressed dissatisfaction with sanitation arrangements and instructed officials to address deficiencies without delay.
He also reviewed the attendance of doctors and healthcare personnel and reiterated that negligence affecting patient convenience or treatment would not be tolerated.
Round-the-Clock Pathology Services Ordered
The minister raised concerns over delays in diagnostic services, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and pathology tests.
He directed the hospital to ensure pathology services operate 24 hours a day and instructed officials to submit a proposal for increasing the number of laboratory technicians and paramedical staff to improve service delivery.
Health Secretary Kumar Ravi also observed doctors working without aprons during the inspection and directed them to follow the prescribed dress code.
Review of Medicines, Food and Infrastructure
Nishant inspected the hospital’s medicine distribution centre and reviewed the availability and supply of medicines.
He also visited the patient canteen to assess food quality, hygiene, and the meal distribution system. Officials were instructed to ensure patients receive clean, nutritious meals on time and in accordance with prescribed standards.
At the hospital’s new 400-bed building under construction, the minister reviewed the progress of the project and facilities at the MRI centre.
BMSICL Managing Director Subrat Kumar Sen informed the minister that construction is expected to be completed by August 2026, with the facility becoming operational from September 2026.
The minister also ordered the immediate repair of a non-functional air conditioner in the OPD after receiving a complaint from a patient.
Action Against Negligence
Following the inspection, Nishant and Health Secretary Kumar Ravi held a review meeting with LNJP Hospital Director Rakesh Kumar Chaudhary to discuss complaints, infrastructure gaps, and staff shortages.
The minister instructed the hospital to prepare and submit a list of vacancies for radiologists, laboratory technicians, paramedical staff, and other essential healthcare personnel to facilitate recruitment and deputation.
During the inspection, Senior Surgeon Dr. R.K. Roshan was found absent without prior notice. After speaking to him over the phone and finding his explanation unsatisfactory, the Health Department issued a departmental show-cause notice.
An explanation has also been sought from Neurosurgeon Dr. Shyam Kishore following a complaint that external diagnostic tests had been prescribed on a patient’s prescription slip.
Senior officials from the Health Department, BMSICL, and LNJP Hospital administration were present during the inspection.
