Patna: President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Patna on a two-day visit and attended the centenary celebrations of Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH) as the chief guest at Bapu Sabhagar. More than 3,000 doctors are set to be honoured as part of the event.
Addressing the gathering, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar highlighted his government’s efforts in healthcare and women’s empowerment. “Those before us did nothing for women. We have worked for every section of society. We aim to govern efficiently and with the Centre’s support, Bihar will progress significantly,” he said.
Nitish spoke about improvements in healthcare, citing an increase in patient visits to primary health centres. “Earlier, only 39 people sought treatment at these centres in a month; now, 11,000 visit regularly. Previously, there was no access to healthcare or education, and communal tensions were high. Today, we are working for the development of all communities—Hindus, Muslims, backward classes, Dalits, and upper castes alike,” he said.
The chief minister also outlined his government’s progress in medical education. “When we took office in 2005, Bihar had only six medical colleges. Now, 12 have been built, and work is underway for 14 more. Our goal is to establish a medical college in every district,” he said.
BJP national president JP Nadda, who was also present, recalled his personal connection to PMCH. “I was born here. There is no place in the world where PMCH doctors are not present. This is one of the biggest hospitals in the world, and we should all take pride in it,” he said.
Nadda credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Bihar’s progress, saying, “Modi ji has transformed Bihar from a sick state into a leading one. Earlier, Bihar was counted among the lowest-performing states; now, it is among the top.”
President Murmu will stay overnight in Patna and is scheduled to leave for Delhi at 9 am on February 26.
