Bihar Budget Session: Action to Be Taken Against Officials Giving Wrong Information, Health Minister Orders Probe

Patna: On the fourth day of the Bihar Assembly budget session, Minister in Charge of Health, Pramod Chandravamshi, came under scrutiny during the Question Hour after a departmental official provided incorrect information regarding a Primary Health Centre (PHC). The Minister assured the Assembly that a thorough investigation would be conducted and that officials responsible for providing wrong information would face action.

MLA Challenges Minister’s Response
During Question Hour, AIMIM MLA Murshid Alam highlighted the poor condition of the PHC in Palashi. In response, Minister Pramod Chandravamshi claimed that the PHC was being upgraded to a 30-bed facility to provide better healthcare services.

However, MLA Alam, dissatisfied with the response, said the official had deliberately misled the Assembly. According to him, the PHC is currently a 6-bed facility, and he had personally inspected it with local residents. He even offered to present photographic evidence to substantiate his claim.

Probe Ordered
In response to the MLA’s allegations and opposition demands, the Health Minister said a departmental investigation would be conducted. If officials are found guilty of providing false information, strict action would be taken. Assembly Speaker Dr. Prem Kumar assured members that they could even be present during the investigation to ensure transparency.

Minister Struggles with Other Queries
Earlier in the day, Minister Chandravamshi also faced challenges while answering questions from former Minister and BJP MLA Nitish Mishra regarding the standards of Community Health Centres (CHCs). The Minister stated that deficiencies would be addressed in the next financial year, but Mishra argued that a 30-bed facility was not operational, and additional constructions remained unused for over 1.5 years. He also highlighted the shortage of doctors and nurses despite the allocation of significant funds.

Upgradation Plans Announced
The Health Minister clarified that the department plans to upgrade the Palashi PHC into a CHC. Positions were created in 2025, and soon, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare facilities will be deployed to ensure proper functioning of the upgraded centre.