Patna: A surprise inspection by Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) on Tuesday led to significant commotion in the hospital premises, with allegations emerging that patients lying on stretchers in the gallery area were hastily moved ahead of his arrival.
The visit, conducted without prior public notice, brought several administrative and operational issues at the hospital into focus, according to officials present during the inspection.
Surprise Inspection at PMCH
During the inspection, Health Minister Nishant Kumar reviewed multiple wards and hospital facilities along with Health Department Secretary Kumar Ravi and senior medical officers. Officials said the inspection was aimed at assessing service delivery and infrastructure readiness at one of Bihar’s largest government hospitals.
However, the visit quickly turned contentious as discrepancies in hospital management began to surface.
Patients Shifted from Gallery Area
Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating from the premises showed hospital staff allegedly instructing the removal of stretchers from the gallery area moments before the minister’s arrival.
Staff members, including doctors and nurses, were reportedly heard asking that patients be shifted immediately, stating that the minister was approaching. The incident has raised concerns regarding patient handling protocols and hospital preparedness.
Principal Found Absent
During the inspection, PMCH Principal Dr Narendra Pratap Singh was reportedly not present on campus. The minister expressed displeasure over the absence, stating that the principal was not reachable on phone and had not assigned interim charge to any other officer.
Nishant Kumar termed the situation as administrative negligence and indicated that action may be taken against responsible officials after a review.
Minister Flags Irregularities
The Health Minister said that multiple irregularities were observed during the inspection, which would be examined in detail by the department. He instructed officials to improve hospital arrangements and ensure better coordination among staff.
Senior hospital officials, including Superintendent Prof. Rajeev Kumar Singh, were present during the review of facilities and operations.
Reaction on Journalists Incident
Separately, responding to an earlier incident involving alleged manhandling of journalists at PMCH, Nishant Kumar stated that the Constitution guarantees media freedom and that reporters must be allowed to cover public institutions without obstruction. He emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in hospital functioning.
Recent Inauguration of Radiology Department
On Tuesday, the Health Minister also inaugurated a newly established state-of-the-art radiology department at PMCH. Located on the first floor of Tower-2, the facility brings ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan and MRI services under one complex, aimed at improving diagnostic access for patients.
