Bihar's health department to instal CCTV cameras in all government hospitals: Nishant Kumar
Patna, July 1
Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar has announced a series of measures aimed at improving the functioning of government hospitals, including the installation of CCTV cameras across all state-run healthcare facilities and the deployment of additional ambulances on highways.
The announcements were made on Wednesday after the minister heard public grievances during a Janata Darbar at the JD(U) state office in Patna.
Nishant Kumar said CCTV cameras will be installed in all government hospitals in Bihar to facilitate continuous monitoring of hospital operations.
According to the minister, the surveillance system will be connected to a control room in Patna, enabling officials to monitor staff attendance and the functioning of hospitals.
He noted that complaints are frequently received regarding doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff not reporting for duty on time.
He said disciplinary action would be taken against personnel found negligent through the monitoring process.
The Health Minister stated that government hospitals are expected to stock 504 categories of medicines, but currently only around 350 varieties are available.
He directed officials to ensure that all designated medicines are supplied regularly so that patients can access the prescribed drugs without facing shortages.
Nishant Kumar also stressed the need to keep essential medical equipment operational.
He said special attention would be given to the maintenance of MRI machines, CT scanners, and other diagnostic equipment.
The minister noted that situations where equipment remains non-functional for months or years should not occur.
If hospitals lack trained technicians or operators, appointments will be made to ensure diagnostic services remain available.
To improve emergency medical response, Nishant Kumar announced that the government plans to deploy 100 ambulances along national and state highways across Bihar.
He also revealed plans to strengthen trauma care infrastructure through the establishment of 11 level-3 trauma centres and 5 level-3 trauma hospitals.
The proposed facilities are intended to provide quicker treatment to accident victims and improve emergency healthcare services.
Nishant Kumar said improving healthcare services remains a priority for the state government, and that hospital performance will be monitored continuously.
Referring to his recent inspection of Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), he recalled expressing dissatisfaction with the conditions there and stated that surprise inspections of government hospitals across Bihar would continue to ensure better service delivery and accountability.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The medicine shortage issue is concerning - 504 categories should be available but only 350 are? That's a 30% gap. I appreciate the minister acknowledging it, but we need clear timelines for when the missing 154 types will be stocked. Aaj kal toh patients ko dawai ke liye bhagna padta hai...
CCTV cameras are a double-edged sword. Good for monitoring attendance, but what about patient privacy in OPDs and wards? Hope they're placed only in corridors and public areas, not in consultation rooms or wards. Also, the staff shortage for operating MRI and CT machines has been a problem for years - glad they're finally addressing it.
I remember when Nitish Kumar ji first came to power, healthcare improvements were promised. 15 years later, we're still talking about basics like CCTV and medicine availability. The trauma centre plan is good - 11 level-3 centres can save lives on highways. But will they have trained staff or just buildings with equipment no one knows how to use? Hope the surprise inspections continue consistently.
Good intentions, but let's be real - Bihar's health infrastructure needs more than cameras and ambulances. We need doctors who actually stay in rural areas, nurses who aren't overworked, and a system where patients don't have to bribe for basic care. The CCTV idea might help with attendance, but it won't fix the systemic issues. Still, it's a step in the right direction. 😊
As a healthcare worker in Bihar, I can say
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