Patna: Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey on Monday announced that the NDA government has decided to convert all 36 district hospitals in the state into super-specialty facilities over the coming years, in a major push to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure.
Concluding the debate on the proposed health department budget of ₹21,270.41 crore for 2026–27 in the Assembly, Pandey said the initiative is aimed at expanding access to advanced and affordable medical services across Bihar.
“With the objective of strengthening public healthcare infrastructure, the NDA government has decided to upgrade all 36 district hospitals into super-specialty facilities. In addition, all Community Health Centres (CHCs) will be upgraded into specialty hospitals,” he said.
The Assembly later passed the health department budget by voice vote. Opposition members staged a walkout, expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s response during the debate.
Pandey stated that the initiative forms part of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s ‘Saat Nishchay-3: Accessible Health, Safe Life’ campaign. The programme, scheduled for implementation between 2025 and 2030, aims to ensure affordable, high-quality healthcare by adding advanced medical services and deploying specialist doctors across government facilities.
Under the broader goal of ‘Sabka Samman—Jeevan Aasaan’ (Ease of Living), the state government seeks to reduce hardships faced by citizens and enhance overall quality of life. Two earlier phases of the ‘Saat Nishchay’ programme have been implemented since 2015.
As part of the planned upgrades, CHCs will be equipped with additional facilities, including services of clinical psychologists, dental specialists, and AYUSH practitioners. Staffing will also be strengthened with the appointment of physicians, pharmacists, urology technicians, ECG technicians, dental assistants, and operation theatre assistants or technicians.
The government maintains that the move will significantly improve healthcare access and reduce the need for patients to travel outside their districts for specialised treatment.
