By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Union Health and Family Welfare Minister and BJP National President, JP Nadda, conducted an in-depth inspection of the world-class super speciality hospital under construction at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) on Saturday. Joined by Bihar’s Deputy Chief Ministers, Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Sinha, Health Minister Mangal Pandey, BJP State President Dilip Jaiswal, and other top officials, Nadda was briefed on the progress of the massive project through a model of the new PMCH.
The hospital, once completed, will be the second largest in the world, with a capacity of 5,462 beds. Construction is progressing in three phases, with an estimated budget of ₹5,400 crores. Nadda inspected several newly completed parts of the project, including an 11-storey multi-level parking structure and hostels for boys and girls.
Officials from the health department, along with representatives of construction firm L&T, guided Nadda through the top floor of the multi-level parking facility. He was shown a panoramic view of the ongoing construction, discussing timelines and progress with the officials. During the inspection, Nadda took a moment to pose with L&T employees, commemorating the significant progress made.
In a noteworthy sustainable energy initiative, solar panels have been installed on the rooftops of all multi-storey buildings within the PMCH complex. These panels are expected to meet a substantial portion of the energy needs for each building, showcasing an eco-friendly approach in the hospital’s design.
The multi-level parking facility, now complete, has a capacity to accommodate 950 four-wheelers, a vital addition to handle the expected influx of visitors and staff once the hospital becomes operational. When asked for his thoughts on the progress, Nadda expressed his satisfaction, noting that the construction is proceeding well and the design is “beautiful.”
According to Dr Vidyapati Chaudhary, Principal of PMCH, Nadda conveyed his happiness with the newly built world-class hostels and other infrastructure developments. He stressed that it is now the hospital management’s responsibility to ensure that proper security and all necessary facilities are provided in these hostels. The hospital is set to become fully functional by 2028, transforming into a 5,462-bed medical institution.
Nadda’s visit holds special significance due to his personal connection with PMCH. His father worked in Patna, and Nadda himself was born at the hospital. This sentimental attachment was evident during his visit, as Nadda has often referred to PMCH in his speeches in Bihar. The Union Minister’s inspection also aligned with his previous remarks during the IGIMS inauguration on Friday, where he praised the development of healthcare infrastructure in the state.
Nadda’s sense of pride was palpable during the inspection, as the hospital where he was born is on its way to becoming a global healthcare hub. His involvement in the project, combined with his emotional ties to PMCH, added a personal touch to the event. As the hospital nears completion, it promises to offer state-of-the-art healthcare facilities to Bihar and beyond, positioning itself as a landmark in global medical infrastructure.
