Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar on Thursday, 3 September inaugurated a 12-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCH&RC), located within the premises of Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur. The new critical-care facility marks a significant step toward bringing advanced oncology treatment closer to patients in North Bihar.

Key Developments at the Inauguration

The minister formally opened the ICU by cutting a ribbon, following which he announced an additional 30-bed super-speciality ICU within the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) ward. The expansion is intended to strengthen critical care specifically for seriously ill children — a segment that has historically faced capacity shortfalls at district-level facilities in the region.

Tight security arrangements were in place across the hospital campus during the visit. Kumar subsequently conducted a detailed inspection of multiple departments, reviewing the availability of medicines, diagnostic facilities, modern medical equipment, and physician staffing.

What the Minister Said

Speaking to reporters after the inspection, Kumar issued strict directions to medical and administrative staff, emphasising that there must be 'no compromise' on the quality of healthcare services provided to patients. He said the Muzaffarpur cancer hospital would be further upgraded with advanced technology and comprehensive treatment facilities in the coming months.

'The government's objective is to ensure that cancer patients and those suffering from other serious illnesses in North Bihar do not have to travel to Patna or outside the state for advanced treatment,' Kumar said, adding that patients should be able to access quality care closer to home.

Broader Healthcare Push in Bihar

The inauguration comes a day after the Bihar government launched a campaign titled 'Jaanch evam Upchar Chikitsa Aapke Dwar' (Screening and Treatment at Your Doorstep) on Wednesday, 2 September. The drive is aimed at early detection and timely treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across the state.

Under the campaign, ASHA workers and ASHA facilitators, accompanied by Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), will conduct household surveys, prepare family folders and Community Based Assessment Checklists (CBAC) forms, identify high-risk individuals, maintain patient line-lists, and encourage adherence to prescribed medication and follow-up schedules.

Impact on Citizens of North Bihar

North Bihar has long grappled with inadequate tertiary healthcare infrastructure, forcing patients to undertake long journeys to Patna or even out-of-state facilities for cancer care. The addition of a dedicated ICU at HBCH&RC, situated within SKMCH — one of the region's principal medical colleges — is expected to reduce that burden materially. Kumar reiterated that the state government was continuously working to modernise healthcare facilities from the rural level up to medical colleges, to ensure every citizen receives timely and quality treatment.

With the new ICU operational and a 30-bed paediatric critical care expansion announced, the next phase of upgrades at Muzaffarpur's cancer hospital is expected to be detailed in the coming weeks.