Union Health Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda inaugurated the new ophthalmology building at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) in Patna, along with other healthcare facilities in Bihar. This marks his first inauguration since reassuming the post of Health Minister.
Recalling his previous visit, Nadda said, “In 2019, the last foundation stone I laid as minister was for this very ophthalmology department in the presence of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. It is my honor that my first inauguration upon returning to the ministry is also here at IGIMS.”
Achievements in Healthcare Under Modi Government
During the event, Nadda highlighted the achievements of the Narendra Modi government in the health sector over the past decade. “When we started, there were only six All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Today, that number has increased to 22,” he said.
Nadda also expressed his gratitude to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for providing land for the new AIIMS in Darbhanga. “I am visiting Darbhanga tomorrow, where a new AIIMS will be built at the Pilnath site,” he announced.
Ayushman Bharat and Universal Health Coverage
Nadda underscored the significance of the Ayushman Bharat health coverage scheme, calling it the largest healthcare initiative in the world. “Through Ayushman Bharat, we are providing ₹5 lakh of health coverage to 55 crore individuals across the country,” he noted. “India now leads the world in terms of universal health coverage.”
Bihar’s Healthcare Infrastructure
In his speech, Nadda praised IGIMS for serving not only the people of Bihar but also patients from neighboring Bengal, Odisha, and even Nepal. He commended the institute for its exceptional work and noted that five of India’s 75 new super-specialty blocks are located in Bihar.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, also present at the event, spoke about the state’s progress in healthcare. “In 2005, Bihar’s healthcare system was in poor condition, with a lack of doctors and medicines. Back then, only 39 patients visited the hospital per month for primary healthcare. Today, that number has grown to 11,000,” Kumar said. He also mentioned plans to increase IGIMS’s bed capacity from 770 to 2,500, with 1,200 beds expected to be added next year.
Political Remarks
Addressing his return to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Nitish Kumar reflected on his previous alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress. “We made a mistake by joining hands with them, but we will not make that mistake again,” he asserted.
The event concluded with Nadda visiting the residence of CM Nitish Kumar in Patna. Nadda also praised the hospital’s new modular operation theatre, which features world-class technology and equipment.