Nishant Kumar elected Bihar MLC, issues 2-week deadline to fix health dept
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar on Thursday, 12 June received his election certificate as a Member of the Bihar Legislative Council (MLC) and immediately signalled a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and administrative lapses in the state's health infrastructure. Speaking to reporters after the ceremony in Patna, Kumar issued a firm two-week ultimatum to Civil Surgeons across Bihar to clean up hospital irregularities or face personal inspections led by him.
The Two-Week Ultimatum
Nishant Kumar directed all Civil Surgeons to identify and rectify irregularities within their respective jurisdictions within two weeks. He warned that failure to show visible improvement would prompt him to constitute a dedicated inspection team and personally visit hospitals across the state.
'I have instructed all Civil Surgeons to rectify irregularities in their respective jurisdictions within two weeks. If improvements are not visible, I will form a team and personally inspect hospitals,' the Health Minister said.
Zero Tolerance on Corruption
Kumar made clear that no official found involved in corruption or administrative negligence would be spared. His remarks set an unambiguous tone for his tenure in the council.
'Operations in the Health Department must be conducted honestly. No irregularity or corrupt practice will be tolerated. The strictest action will be taken against any corrupt official or office-bearer,' he asserted.
PMCH Assault Incident in the Crosshairs
Kumar also addressed a recent incident at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), where relatives of a patient were allegedly assaulted. He said he had directed PMCH Superintendent Rajiva Kumar Singh to ensure such incidents are not repeated and placed PMCH under the same two-week corrective timeline.
'I have given a two-week deadline to rectify the situation at PMCH. If such incidents continue, action will be taken against those responsible,' he added.
Political Context and Family Legacy
Kumar was warmly received by Janata Dal-United (JD-U) leaders and party workers following his election, with supporters greeting him with bouquets. He acknowledged the trust placed in him by the party and pledged to discharge his duties with integrity.
Invoking the political principles of his father and former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, he said he would maintain an uncompromising stand against crime, corruption, and communalism — the three pillars that have defined the elder Kumar's governance philosophy for over two decades.
'My father has always maintained that there can be no compromise on issues of crime, corruption, and communalism. I will follow the same path,' he remarked.
What Comes Next
The two-week deadline — covering both Civil Surgeons statewide and the specific situation at PMCH — sets a clear accountability marker. Whether surprise inspections materialise and what administrative action follows will be closely watched as Kumar establishes his authority in Bihar's health governance landscape.