Tejashwi opens 300-bed model hospital at Ara

Ara: Deputy CM and health minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Thursday inaugurated a 300-bed model hospital and a 42-bed paediatric intensive care unit at the Ara sadar hospital. The hospital, built at a cost of over Rs 20 crore, is equipped with latest health facilities, while all beds in the ICU are supported with oxygen supply.

Tejashwi, who is also minister in-charge of Bhojpur district, said, "The inauguration of the model hospital and paediatric ICU will enhance the quality of health services at the hospital. The state government has a plan to build at least one model hospital in all major cities of the state. At present more than 500 medicines are available free of cost to the patients at the hospital and this will directly benefit the poor. Instruction has been given to put a display board to make patients aware of the number and the names of medicines available in the hospital."

However, Tejashwi expressed concern over the absence of doctors at the government hospitals. "The absence of doctors from duty at the government hospitals like the Sadar hospitals is a serious challenge for the health department. Though the government is leaving no stone unturned to enhance the infrastructure at the hospitals, but what's the use of equipment and medicines if the doctors are not present to treat the patients," he said.

The deputy CM further said, "Now, the doctors will have to strictly follow the norm of referring a patient to PMCH or any other big hospital. A doctor at sadar hospital can no more refer a patient easily as the facility of critical care units at all the sadar hospitals of Bihar will be soon provided."