New Delhi: Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri J.P. Nadda inaugurated the “Medicine Update BJMFCON 2024”, organized by the Bihar & Jharkhand Medical Forum (BJMF), today. At the event, Shri Nadda also released the ‘Souvenir and BJMF Directory’.
BJMF, a socio-scientific organization comprising doctors from Bihar and Jharkhand practicing in the Delhi-NCR region, aims to foster academic exchange and serve society through conferences, seminars, and discussions. This year’s event marks the second edition of the forum’s Medicine Update.
In his address, Nadda praised the forum for its efforts in giving back to society through educational programs, medical outreach, and continuous professional development. He stressed that the government is committed to providing affordable, high-quality healthcare, aligned with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He outlined a comprehensive health policy focusing on preventive, promotive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative care.
Progress in Healthcare Infrastructure and Mother-Child Care
Highlighting government initiatives, Nadda noted that 1.73 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are now operational nationwide, with 10,716 in Bihar and 3,825 in Jharkhand. These centers collectively recorded over 12.3 crore patient visits and facilitated 6.48 crore non-communicable disease (NCD) screenings in both states.
Nadda also cited improvements in maternal and child health, emphasizing the rise in institutional deliveries from 78.9% to 88.6% during the Modi administration’s first five years. Infant mortality rates (IMR) and under-five mortality rates have also decreased. He highlighted that Bihar’s IMR dropped from 42 to 27 per 1,000 live births, and Jharkhand’s IMR declined from 34 to 25. Similarly, Bihar’s under-five mortality rate fell from 53 to 30, and Jharkhand’s from 44 to 27 in 2020.
Expansion of Medical Education
Nadda underscored the government’s focus on medical education, stating that the number of medical colleges nearly doubled from 387 in 2014 to 766, with 157 district hospitals converted into medical colleges. Of these, eight are in Bihar, including Purnia, Saran, and Samastipur, and five are in Jharkhand, including Dumka and Hazaribagh. He also highlighted the redevelopment of Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) into Asia’s second-largest hospital.
The number of MBBS seats has increased by 125%, from 51,348 before 2014 to 1,15,412, while postgraduate medical seats rose by 134%, from 31,185 to 73,111. Under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), new AIIMS campuses are being established in Patna, Darbhanga, and Deoghar.
Ayushman Bharat: A Lifeline for Healthcare Access
Nadda highlighted the impact of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, the world’s largest health insurance scheme, which has provided ₹86,797 crores in authorized treatments. He announced that the program now covers all citizens aged 70 and above, offering up to ₹5 lakh in healthcare benefits.
The minister praised healthcare workers for their dedication, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and urged conference participants to recommend measures for further improving healthcare access. Nadda concluded by expressing gratitude to the medical community for their continued contributions to the nation’s healthcare development.
(Input From Various Sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)