Autonomous status for PMCH likely

PATNA: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar has indicated that the Patna Medical College might get the status of an autonomous institute.

He gave this indication while inaugurating the 85th Foundation Day of the college and 25th Patna Medical College Alumni Association function on the college premises here on Thursday.

Nitish said it is up to the doctors to decide about its form. He asked the PMC alumni to constitute an advisory committee comprising eight to ten members and hand over their proposal to health minister Nand Kishore Yadav and principal secretary (health) C K Mishra for consideration. "Even NRI Alumni can give their suggestions to the advisory commitee. Their physical presence is not important. They can send their suggestions through internet," the CM said.

Nitish also agreed to provide adequate funds for construction of a guest house at PMCH, a long pending demands of the doctors and the alumni association. "The demand is for a six-room guest house on the PMCH premises. I would ask the authorities concerned to get constructed a 10- room guest house on the hospital premises. There would be no dearth of funds for the purpose," Nitish said amidst thunderous applause from the doctors. He, however, asked the PMC authorities to get the guest house constructed close to the Ganga as the visitors could get an opportunity of sight-seeing.

Nitish said from next fiscal the patients would be able to avail of free radiology and pathology tests at the PMCH as at primary health centres (PHCs) and district hospitals.

Nitish, however, had a piece of advise for the doctors particularly the younger ones. He urged them to maintain peace and keep themselves cool. "The image of Bihar is fast changing. If doctors engage themselves in brawls, it will send a wrong signal," he said.

Nitish said the people are now inquiring about state's development. Even US ambassdor and Japan consulate general are inquiring about Bihar's mantra of development. He said he never beleived in accepting awards. The awards given to him either by ET or by NDTV is meant for the people of the state, he said.

"The award is not for me. It is for the people of Bihar, who are now developing through their hard work," he said adding that the state government would observe March 22 as "Bihar Divas".

Others who addressed the gathering included health minister Nand Kishore Yadav, BJP Rajya Sabha member Dr CP Thakur, principal secretary (heath) C K Mishra, organising committee chairman Dr D K Choudhary, PMC principal Dr D D Gupta, organising secretary Dr Jitendra Kumar Singh and alumni association president Dr Manju Geeta Mishra.