Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar on 27 June issued a sharp warning against negligence and indiscipline in the state's health department, as the controversy over the removal of Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) principal Narendra Pratap Singh deepened. The minister, speaking publicly for the first time since the action was taken, said the department would maintain an uncompromising stance on corruption, dereliction of duty, and absenteeism.

What Triggered the Action

According to Nishant Kumar, he conducted a surprise inspection of PMCH on 23 June and found the principal absent — despite Singh reportedly being aware of the scheduled visit in advance. The minister alleged that no prior leave intimation was submitted, and that telephone calls placed during the inspection went unanswered. 'Negligence, dereliction of duty, and corruption will not be tolerated,' Kumar said, adding that hospital inspections would continue across Bihar with strict action wherever irregularities are found.

Singh's Version of Events

Narendra Pratap Singh has maintained that his absence was unavoidable — he reportedly sustained injuries after hot water accidentally spilled on his abdomen, leaving him unable to attend. Singh has claimed he attempted to reach senior officials to inform them but received no response. Following his removal from the PMCH principal's post, he submitted his resignation and indicated he intends to pursue the matter further.

Transfers and New Appointment

The Bihar Health Department transferred Narendra Pratap Singh to Bettiah Medical College in the wake of the episode. Geeta Sinha has been appointed as the new principal of PMCH until further orders, ensuring continuity of administrative oversight at the state's largest public medical institution.

High-Level Inquiry Ordered

Health Minister Nishant Kumar announced the constitution of a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the entire episode. He clarified that Singh would be given an opportunity to present his side before any further decisions are made. The committee is expected to examine the reasons for his absence and assess whether the explanation is satisfactory. Notably, this inquiry comes as the Bihar government has been intensifying accountability measures across its public health infrastructure.

What Comes Next

The minister indicated that surprise inspections of government hospitals across Bihar will continue in the coming days, with the stated objective of improving accountability, transparency, and patient care standards. The PMCH episode has brought renewed scrutiny to administrative discipline within the state's healthcare system — and signals that the health department under Kumar intends to make such inspections a regular governance tool, not a one-off exercise.