PMCH principal removed after absence during Bihar Health Minister's inspection
Synopsis
Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar's unannounced visit to PMCH on 23 June ended with the principal's removal — he was unreachable by phone, had taken no leave, and had not handed over charge. The swift action, and the appointment of Geeta Sinha as replacement, signals that Bihar's accountability drive in government hospitals is no longer ceremonial.
Key Takeaways
Narendra Pratap Singh was removed as principal of PMCH on 25 June after being found absent during a ministerial inspection on 23 June .
Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar conducted the inspection; Singh was unreachable by phone and had neither applied for leave nor handed over charge.
Geeta Sinha has been appointed as the new principal of PMCH .
Singh stated his absence was due to a prior accident and argued he was not given a chance to explain before action was taken.
The Bihar Health Department has not confirmed whether further departmental proceedings will follow.
Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) principal Narendra Pratap Singh was removed from his post on 25 June after he was found absent without prior leave during a surprise inspection by Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar on 23 June. The Bihar Health Department acted swiftly, appointing Geeta Sinha as the new principal in Singh's place.
What Happened During the Inspection
When Health Minister Nishant Kumar visited PMCH on 23 June, the principal was nowhere to be found. According to officials, repeated phone calls to Singh during the inspection went unanswered. Crucially, he had neither applied for leave nor formally handed over charge to any other officer before his absence — a procedural lapse that reportedly accelerated departmental action.
Singh's Explanation
Responding to the removal, Singh maintained that he had been unable to report to duty due to health reasons, stating that he had met with an accident prior to the minister's visit. He further argued that the disciplinary action was taken without affording him an opportunity to present his side, and maintained that he should have been heard before any such step was initiated.
Administrative Response and New Appointment
The Bihar Health Department did not publicly address Singh's claims. Geeta Sinha has been formally appointed as the replacement principal of PMCH. The department has not yet confirmed whether further departmental proceedings will be initiated against Singh.
Broader Context: Accountability Drive at PMCH
The action comes amid a sustained push by the Bihar government to tighten accountability across state-run hospitals. PMCH, one of Bihar's largest and most prominent government medical institutions, has been under continuous administrative scrutiny as the state seeks to upgrade healthcare delivery and infrastructure. This is not the first time the hospital's administration has drawn official attention — the institution has faced periodic reviews over staffing, patient services, and facility management. The removal signals that the government intends to hold senior officials personally accountable for their presence and conduct during ministerial inspections.
Whether Singh pursues a formal appeal or further proceedings follow will determine the next chapter in what is already a high-profile accountability case in Bihar's health sector.
Point of View
But its credibility depends on consistency. Bihar's government hospitals have faced recurring scrutiny over absenteeism at all levels — from doctors to administrators — and selective high-profile action risks being seen as optics rather than systemic reform. Singh's claim that he was denied a hearing before removal raises a procedural question the department has so far not answered publicly. If the accountability drive is to be credible, it must apply due process as rigorously as it applies consequences.
NationPress
25 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the PMCH principal removed in Bihar?
Narendra Pratap Singh was removed as principal of Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) because he was found absent during a surprise inspection by Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar on 23 June. He had neither applied for leave nor handed over charge to another officer, and was unreachable by phone during the visit.
Who has been appointed as the new PMCH principal?
Geeta Sinha has been appointed as the new principal of PMCH, replacing Narendra Pratap Singh following his removal on 25 June 2025.
What reason did Narendra Pratap Singh give for his absence?
Singh stated that he had met with an accident before the minister's visit, which prevented him from reporting to duty. He also argued that disciplinary action was taken without giving him an opportunity to present his explanation.
Will further action be taken against the removed PMCH principal?
The Bihar Health Department has not yet publicly confirmed whether additional departmental proceedings will be initiated against Singh. The matter remains open as of 25 June.
What is the significance of this action for Bihar's health sector?
The removal reflects the Bihar government's stated push to strengthen accountability in government hospitals. PMCH, one of Bihar's largest public medical institutions, has been under continuous administrative scrutiny as the state works to improve healthcare services and infrastructure.
