Your own identity in the field of health
Zakir Ali, Chhapra (Saran). Questions have been raised regarding health facilities in Saran district for a long time, but now the scenario seems to be changing slowly. On one hand, the Government Medical College cum Hospital is being seen as the pivot of the health system of the district, while on the other hand, various health schemes of the Central and State Government are bringing concrete changes in the lives of common people. The general public hopes that if the medical college becomes operational at its full capacity, then Saran can create its own identity in the field of health not only in Bihar but at the national level.
The Government Medical College cum Hospital was inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on January 8, 2025. After the inauguration, there was a confidence among the people of the district that now they will not have to go to Patna or other big cities for the treatment of serious diseases.
However, even after almost a year of inauguration, this institute has not become fully active. At present, limited services are available in the hospital, which is mainly being run by 12 doctors. These doctors are responsible for OPD operation and first aid.
Hospital Superintendent Dr. C.P. According to Jaiswal, till now the entire building of the medical college has not been handed over to the hospital administration by the construction agency.
Construction work is still incomplete in many parts, due to which the expansion of services is being hampered. More than three hundred doctors, specialists and lecturers are required for the smooth functioning of the medical college, but the process of their reinstatement is still pending at the government level. Due to this, neither hospital services are fully expanded nor educational activities can be started.
studies have yet to begin
The process of application to the National Medical Commission for MBBS course has also not started yet. The hospital administration believes that if the handover of the building is done on time and the restoration of faculty in all subjects is completed, then there may be a possibility of approval of enrollment for the session 2026-27 by the middle of this year.
X-ray and ultrasound services at the hospital are expected to start soon, while physiotherapy services have not started yet due to the delay in the reinstatement of the technician. Overall, the future of the medical college seems to depend on the will of the government and the health department.
Hope related to local development also
People of Mala village and surrounding areas believe that when students and doctors from different parts of the country come here, it will not only improve health services but will also give a boost to the local economy.
New opportunities for housing, transportation, business and employment will be created. Besides, cultural exchange will also strengthen the identity of the region. People are still waiting for some good news from the only medical college of Saran division.
Relief to the poor from Ayushman Bharat
Along with the medical college, the government health schemes implemented in the district are also providing relief to the common people. Ayushman Bharat scheme is proving to be a boon for poor and needy families.
Expensive treatments like heart disease, kidney, cancer and complex surgeries are now being available free of cost in government and empaneled private hospitals of the district.
According to the health administration, this scheme has reduced the tendency to postpone treatment and patients are reaching the hospital on time, which is leading to better results of treatment.
Regular screening campaigns are being run in the district for the prevention of non-communicable diseases. Diseases like heart disease, diabetes and cancer are being detected at an early stage through screening in people above 30 years of age.
These investigations being conducted at primary and community health centers clearly indicate that the health system is now moving towards a prevention based model and not just treatment.
Mental health is getting space
Positive initiatives are also being seen in the district in the field of mental health. Counseling and medication facilities are being provided under the National Mental Health Programme.
With the recent posting of psychiatrist Dr. Shikha in Sadar Hospital, patients suffering from depression, drug addiction and stress are getting relief. She consults in OPD three days a week.
However, there remains a need to increase the number of experts and spread awareness in the society.
Free medicine distribution in government hospitals and 102 and 108 ambulance services have become the strong foundation of the health infrastructure of the district. These services are often proving to be life-saving for pregnant women and emergency patients.
Especially in rural areas, reaching the hospital on time has now become much easier than before.
Emphasis on malnutrition and adolescent health
Nutritional information is being given to mothers along with treatment of malnourished children through nutritional rehabilitation centres, which has increased the hope of long-term improvement.
At the same time, family planning and adolescent health campaigns are not only promoting population control, but are also showing positive changes in the health of women and youth.
Under the Prime Minister's Safe Motherhood Campaign, special check-up of pregnant women is being done in the district on scheduled dates every month. Earlier this facility was limited to district and primary health centres, which has now been extended to additional health centres.
Janani Bal Suraksha Yojana has played an important role in reducing maternal-child mortality rate by encouraging institutional delivery. Sanitation and menstrual management programs are ensuring the dignity of women along with their health.
Overall, both the scope and impact of health schemes have increased in Saran district. Now the biggest challenge is to continuously monitor these schemes, availability of resources and strengthening public participation.
If the Government Medical College operates at full capacity and government schemes continue to be implemented effectively, then the picture of Saran in the health sector can completely change.