Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar has escalated a campaign of surprise inspections across government hospitals in Patna, issuing show-cause notices to absent doctors and warning of strict disciplinary action against those diverting patients to private clinics. The crackdown, which follows inspections at Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH) and Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Orthopaedic Hospital in Rajvanshi Nagar, signals a sharper accountability push within Bihar's public health system.

What the Minister Found

During his inspection of LNJP Orthopaedic Hospital, Kumar found multiple doctors absent from their assigned posts. When contacted by phone, the doctors reportedly offered excuses, prompting the Minister to initiate formal proceedings. 'I visited LNJP yesterday, but the doctors had not turned up. When I called them, they started offering excuses. Show-cause notices have been issued to them. Action will also be taken against a doctor who asked a patient to visit his private clinic,' Kumar said.

He made clear that government doctors are obligated to remain available during duty hours and deliver uninterrupted care — and that explanations deemed unsatisfactory would lead to disciplinary proceedings.

Private Clinic Referrals in the Crosshairs

Kumar also put on notice doctors who allegedly steer patients away from government facilities toward their own private clinics or hospitals. He described the practice as unacceptable, arguing it erodes public trust in state-run healthcare. Officials indicated that at least one doctor has already been identified for referring a patient to a private clinic and will face action.

PMCH Crisis and Junior Doctor Protests

The crackdown extends to PMCH, where Kumar has summoned the hospital Superintendent to address grievances raised by junior doctors. The junior doctors had recently suspended work, demanding improved security and other measures following an alleged assault incident at the hospital.

The Bihar Health Department Secretary has held preliminary discussions with the protesting junior doctors, while the PMCH Superintendent met Kumar at the Secretariat as part of efforts to restore normal services. The situation remains under active review.

Earlier Action: Principal Removed After June 23 Inspection

The current wave of accountability measures follows Kumar's surprise inspection of PMCH on 23 June, during which the then Principal, Dr Narendra Pratap Singh, was found absent. He was subsequently removed from the post, and Dr Geeta Sinha was assigned additional charge as Principal — a move that signalled the government's intent to enforce consequences rather than issue warnings alone.

With inspections continuing and notices already served, the coming weeks will test whether Bihar's health administration can translate ministerial pressure into lasting change at the ground level.