Bihar government today asserted that it was creating basic infrastructure at all government hospitals so that necessary health services could be provided to common people.

Replying to a starred question of JD (U) member Ramchandra Bharti in the state legislative council, health minister Mangal Pandey said basic infrastructure was being created at all government hospitals at an accelerated pace and it was being ensured that essential
medicines were available at these hospitals. He said the government was initiating several other steps to improve health infrastructure
in the state.

Mr Pandey said the number of primary health centres in the rural belt of the state was 533, total number of additional primary heath centres was 1366, total number of health sub centres was 9949 and total number of community health centres was 81. He said out of total 9949 health sub centres, 3422 of them were functioning in rented houses. Mr Pandey said that health sub centres were being opened in the state on the basis of availability of fund and land.

State health minister said that 411 health sub centres would be upgraded to health and wellness centres during 2018-19. He said a proposal had been sent to the Centre for opening new 232 health and wellness centres. Replying to a short notice question of Mr Bharti, Mr Pandey said the Clinical Establishment Act was in force in the state for the last three years.

He said the registration of nursing homes was being done under the law itself but Patna High Court`s order passed on May 24, 2016 was preventing the state government from taking punitive action against members of Bihar Health Service Association. Mr Pandey said that a review petition had been filed in Patna High Court following the order.