Patna: Cancer patients in Bihar will now be able to access diagnosis and treatment under one roof at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), where a dedicated cancer department has been inaugurated. The facility will provide investigation, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy free of cost for patients.
The department has been set up in the newly constructed Central Utility Block at PMCH and was inaugurated on Wednesday by Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey. Officials said the move is expected to significantly ease the treatment process for cancer patients who earlier had to visit multiple hospitals or departments for different stages of care.
Earlier, PMCH had radiotherapy facilities, but in the absence of a dedicated cancer department, patients had to go to separate locations for diagnostic tests, chemotherapy and surgery. This not only delayed treatment but also increased the financial burden on patients and their families.
Speaking at the inauguration, Health Minister Mangal Pandey said that cancer patients in Bihar will no longer be compelled to travel outside the state for treatment. He said chemotherapy, surgery and radiation facilities are now available within the state, with several modern machines worth crores installed at the new department. The minister added that the number of beds and other facilities will be expanded further in the future.
PMCH Principal Dr Narendra Pratap Singh, Superintendent Dr Rajiv Kumar Singh and Head of the Cancer Department Dr Ravi were also present during the inauguration.
Officials said that until now, cancer patients in the state had limited options for free treatment. Even in major government institutions such as IGIMS or AIIMS, patients often had to bear considerable expenses for chemotherapy, surgery and diagnostic tests. In many hospitals, chemotherapy alone can cost between ₹5,000 and ₹10,000 per session.
At PMCH, however, all these services will be provided free of cost. Superintendent Dr Rajiv Kumar Singh said that a team of five specialist doctors has been deployed in the cancer department. Earlier, these doctors were working in different departments of the hospital.
The new cancer department will provide several services at a single location, including OPD consultation, diagnostic tests, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The facility currently has 22 beds for patient admission and seven dedicated beds for chemotherapy. Additional operation theatre facilities will also be made available as required.
