Patna, Sep 3 (IANS) Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar visited Muzaffarpur on Thursday and inaugurated a state-of-the-art 12-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCH&RC) on the premises of Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH).
The minister inaugurated the facility by cutting a ribbon and also announced a new 30-bed super-speciality ICU within the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) ward to strengthen treatment facilities for critically ill children.
Tight security arrangements were made across the hospital premises during the minister’s visit.
Following the inauguration, Nishant Kumar conducted a detailed inspection of various departments of the cancer hospital.
He reviewed the availability of medicines, diagnostic facilities, modern medical equipment and doctors for patients.
The minister issued strict directions to medical and administrative officials, stressing that there must be no compromise on the quality of healthcare services provided to patients.
Speaking to the media after the inspection, Nishant Kumar said the Muzaffarpur cancer hospital would be further upgraded with advanced technology and comprehensive treatment facilities in the coming days.
He said the government’s objective was to ensure that cancer patients and those suffering from other serious illnesses in North Bihar would not have to travel to Patna or outside the state for advanced treatment.
Patients, he said, should be able to access quality healthcare facilities closer to home.
The Health Minister further said the state government was continuously working to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to medical services across Bihar.
He said healthcare facilities, from the rural level to medical colleges, were being modernised to ensure that every citizen receives timely medical advice and quality treatment.
The Bihar government on Wednesday launched a campaign “Jaanch evam Upchar Chikitsa Aapke Dwar” (Screening and Treatment at Your Doorstep), aimed at ensuring the early detection and timely treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across the state.
ASHA workers and ASHA facilitators, accompanied by ANMs, will conduct household surveys, prepare family folders and CBAC forms, identify high-risk individuals, maintain patient line-lists and encourage patients to follow prescribed medication and follow-up schedules.
–IANS
ajk/uk
