Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Darbhanga, Bihar, on November 13, 2024. This initiative is part of the government’s broader push to strengthen healthcare services across India, promising to significantly enhance medical facilities for residents in Bihar and patients from neighboring regions like West Bengal and Nepal.
Key Announcements and Highlights
- Investment in Healthcare: Modi announced developmental projects valued at approximately Rs 12,100 crore aimed at expanding healthcare accessibility across the country. The new AIIMS facility in Darbhanga will be central to this mission, offering advanced healthcare services that will serve not only local communities but also neighboring areas such as Mithila, Kosi, and Tirhut.
- Economic and Job Growth: The AIIMS project is expected to generate numerous job opportunities, giving a boost to the local economy. In his address, Modi emphasized that this institute would directly benefit regions in Bihar that have historically faced challenges in accessing quality healthcare.
- Holistic Approach to Healthcare: Modi highlighted his government’s commitment to a comprehensive healthcare strategy focused on disease prevention, accurate diagnosis, affordable treatment, and expanded healthcare in smaller towns. He pointed out the shortcomings of previous administrations in addressing healthcare needs for the underprivileged and stressed the improvements achieved under his leadership.
- Expansion of Medical Education: Modi noted that the number of medical colleges has doubled in the past decade under his administration, adding thousands of medical seats to the healthcare education system. This expansion is seen as essential to building a stronger, more skilled healthcare workforce for the future.
AIIMS Darbhanga: A Step Toward Decentralized Healthcare
The establishment of AIIMS in Darbhanga marks a pivotal move toward decentralizing advanced medical care, which has historically been concentrated in metropolitan areas. By offering state-of-the-art healthcare facilities in Bihar, the government aims to reduce the burden on patients who previously had to travel long distances for specialized treatment.
Prime Minister Modi’s initiative to bring AIIMS to Darbhanga underscores a commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure in Bihar. Through strategic investments, the government aims to transform health outcomes in the region, making quality healthcare more accessible and affordable. This project is not only expected to uplift Bihar’s healthcare landscape but also reflects a national push towards more equitable health services across India.
