The inauguration of a new dialysis centre at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) in Patna on 6 August turned into an impromptu grievance session, as patients and their families directly confronted Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar with complaints of medical negligence, treatment delays, and failures in the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. The scenes unfolded publicly at the government hospital, underscoring deep-seated frustrations with the state's public healthcare delivery.

Grievances Raised Before the Minister

Several attendants approached Minister Nishant Kumar during the programme to narrate their experiences. In one of the most distressing moments, a man broke down while recounting the death of his mother during treatment at IGIMS.

Alleging medical negligence, he claimed his mother's blood pressure was critically low but was not assessed before a procedure was carried out. 'My mother died in a bed in this very hospital. Her blood pressure was low. They didn't check it before inserting the tube. She writhed in pain and died in front of me. Sir, don't just stay outside — please go inside and inspect everything. There are serious irregularities here,' he told the Minister.

Another emotional appeal came from a woman who told the Minister she required urgent treatment for kidney failure and feared her surgery would continue to be delayed.

Ayushman Bharat Scheme Implementation Under Scrutiny

Multiple patients and family members alleged that the Ayushman Bharat scheme — designed to provide cashless treatment to eligible beneficiaries — was not being implemented as intended at IGIMS. Some beneficiaries claimed they were directed to purchase medicines from outside the hospital despite their eligibility for cashless coverage under the scheme.

Others alleged that diagnostic tests and treatment were being delayed without explanation, that doctors and hospital staff were unresponsive to their concerns, and that repeated complaints to hospital authorities had gone unaddressed. This comes amid broader national scrutiny of how effectively Ayushman Bharat benefits reach patients at the point of care in government hospitals.

Minister's Response and Directions

Health Minister Nishant Kumar personally interacted with patients and attendants, accepted both written and verbal representations, and inspected the outpatient department (OPD), speaking directly with patients awaiting treatment. He summoned senior hospital officials to the venue and directed them to address the complaints without delay.

The Minister warned that strict action would be taken if negligence or irregularities were confirmed during the inquiry, and instructed the administration to ensure no compromise in the quality of treatment.

New Dialysis Centre Inaugurated

Despite the charged atmosphere, Minister Kumar proceeded with the inauguration of the new dialysis centre at IGIMS. According to hospital authorities, the facility is intended to enhance dialysis services for kidney patients by increasing treatment capacity and reducing waiting times — a significant need given the number of kidney failure cases presenting at the hospital, as evidenced by the appeals made on the same day.

What Happens Next

The Minister's direction to senior officials sets the stage for an internal inquiry into the alleged irregularities. Whether the complaints translate into accountability or administrative action will be closely watched by patient groups and healthcare advocates in Bihar. The episode highlights a recurring tension in India's public health infrastructure: the gap between scheme entitlements on paper and access at the ward level.