Prime Minister Modi Lays Foundation Stone for AIIMS Darbhanga, Transforming Bihar’s Healthcare
In a landmark moment for Bihar’s healthcare, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for AIIMS Darbhanga, the state’s second All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) after AIIMS Patna. This institution will not only serve the Mithila, Koshi, and Tirhut regions of Bihar but will also extend healthcare benefits to patients from nearby areas of West Bengal and even Nepal. Modi emphasized that AIIMS Darbhanga is a crucial part of the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure nationwide.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the government’s dedication to a holistic approach in healthcare. He outlined a five-fold plan that includes preventive health, accurate diagnosis, affordable treatment, enhanced access in smaller cities, and technology-based healthcare improvements. “This foundation stone will boost the healthcare sector in Bihar significantly,” he said, adding that AIIMS Darbhanga will reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for high-quality medical treatment.
AIIMS Darbhanga will significantly boost Bihar's healthcare sector, providing access to top-quality medical services for the people of Mithila, Koshi, and Tirhut.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Government’s Vision for Holistic Healthcare
Prime Minister Modi discussed the government’s vision for promoting a healthy lifestyle through initiatives like Swachh Bharat, the Fit India Movement, and the promotion of Yoga and Ayurveda. He acknowledged that many preventable health issues arise from poor lifestyle choices, including unhealthy diets high in junk food. Modi also cited the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, which has provided financial relief to millions by covering hospital care costs, saving approximately ₹1.25 lakh crore for low-income families.
Reflecting on India’s past healthcare challenges, he pointed out the healthcare system’s historical limitations, particularly in rural areas, where the shortage of hospitals, doctors, and medical resources led to high treatment costs. He noted the new approach taken by his administration, which emphasizes creating accessible and affordable healthcare, especially for the economically disadvantaged.
Five Key Areas of Focus
Outlining the government’s five priorities in healthcare, Prime Minister Modi explained the first as preventive health measures, which include encouraging lifestyle changes and routine screenings. The second focus is ensuring accurate and timely diagnosis, which can help in early intervention for many diseases. The third priority is making healthcare affordable or even free where possible, with government programs subsidizing medicines and treatments for underserved populations. Enhancing healthcare accessibility in smaller towns is the fourth pillar, particularly through new institutions like AIIMS and community healthcare clinics. Lastly, the government aims to leverage technology to modernize healthcare delivery.
He stressed that over 1.5 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been set up across the country to facilitate early diagnosis, aiming to reduce the severity of diseases by identifying them sooner. So far, over 4 crore patients have benefitted from Ayushman Bharat, which covers hospital costs for eligible families, and senior citizens aged 70 and above now have access to free treatment through the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card.
In the last 10 years, 1 lakh new medical seats have been added, with plans to increase that number by another 75,000 over the next five years
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Expanding Healthcare Access Across Bihar
Prime Minister Modi highlighted how AIIMS Darbhanga will help train a new generation of doctors, meeting the growing demand for healthcare professionals in the state and country. He observed that after independence, India only had one AIIMS, but recent efforts have led to the establishment of nearly 24 more AIIMS institutions nationwide, with the number of medical colleges doubling in the past decade. The government plans to add 1 lakh new medical seats in the coming years, including options for studying in regional languages like Hindi, a tribute to the legacy of Karpuri Thakur ji.
For Bihar’s cancer patients, a new cancer treatment facility is under development in Muzaffarpur, ensuring that patients can access advanced care without having to travel to cities like Delhi or Mumbai. Additionally, he announced plans for a new eye hospital in Bihar, inspired by the recently opened Sankara Eye Hospital in Varanasi, and requested by Kanchi Kamakoti Shri Shankarcharya ji.
Boost to Infrastructure and Regional Development
Shri Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of Bihar, expressed optimism that AIIMS Darbhanga would not only improve healthcare but also foster socio-economic development in the region. Under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthaya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), AIIMS Darbhanga is being developed at an investment of ₹1,264 crore on a 187-acre site in Darbhanga. It will include a 750-bed super-specialty hospital, medical college, nursing school, and other facilities, serving people from across Bihar and neighboring areas.
AIIMS Darbhanga is expected to provide world-class healthcare and significantly enhance Bihar’s tertiary healthcare capabilities. This new AIIMS is set to serve nearby districts, including Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Saharsa, and others in Bihar, West Bengal, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, contributing to the government’s mission of “Swasth Bharat, Samruddh Bharat.”
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)
