Patna: Bihar is moving to strengthen healthcare delivery at district hospitals, with Health Secretary Kumar Ravi directing officials to improve referral systems, doctor availability, emergency care and surgical services.
The directions came during a review meeting with civil surgeons, hospital superintendents and senior health officials from across the state.
Online Referral System to Be Mandatory
The department has directed that patient referrals must be recorded on the Bhavya Portal and supported by basic diagnostic tests.
Direct referrals from PHCs and CHCs to larger hospitals will also be reduced. The department wants PHCs, CHCs, SDHs and district hospitals to function as a connected healthcare network.
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24×7 Emergency Care and 70 Surgeries
All district hospitals have been asked to strengthen round-the-clock emergency services and implement a triage system so critical patients receive priority treatment.
Hospitals have also been directed to make ventilator-equipped ICUs functional and work towards providing 70 types of surgeries.
Separate operational operation theatres for:
- Gynaecology
- General surgery
- Orthopaedics
have been recommended. Pre-fabricated structures may be used where hospitals face space constraints.
Ayushman Bharat to Become Key Performance Measure
The department will use Ayushman Bharat claims as one of the measures to assess hospital performance.
Government doctors have been directed to ensure eligible patients receive treatment at government hospitals instead of being unnecessarily referred to private facilities.
District hospitals have also been asked to expand surgical services beyond Caesarean deliveries to procedures such as cataract, hernia, appendix, orthopaedic, fissure and fistula surgeries.
5,651 Surgeries Performed in July
Bihar’s district hospitals conducted 5,651 surgeries in July 2026.
Araria recorded the highest number with 423 surgeries, followed by:
- Nalanda – 327
- Bhojpur – 301
- Vaishali – 292
- Madhubani – 287
Sadar Hospital Sasaram performed 20 surgeries in 24 hours on August 11, while Sadar Hospital Munger conducted 12 surgeries in 10 hours.
The Health Secretary ordered strict compliance with doctors’ duty rosters, warning that unauthorised absence or private practice during duty hours could invite action. The department will support hospitals in resolving operational issues and regularly review progress to improve district-level healthcare access.
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