Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Bihar on September 15. His visit comes at a politically sensitive time, as the state faces sharp criticism over its healthcare system.
Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav launched a scathing attack on the Bihar government just before PM Modi’s arrival. He conducted a surprise inspection of Purnea Medical College and Hospital, exposing what he described as the crumbling state of healthcare under the current administration.
Tejashwi Yadav’s Surprise Visit to Purnea Medical College
Tejashwi Yadav arrived at Purnea Medical College and Hospital unannounced and captured video footage of the conditions. In his morning video message, he showed patients lying on the floor, children sleeping without beds, and several patients sharing one bed.
He questioned how such conditions could exist in what is labeled a medical college hospital. Tejashwi urged PM Modi to personally visit the hospital during his Bihar tour. He even asked the Prime Minister to bring Chief Minister Nitish Kumar along to witness the situation firsthand. According to Tejashwi, Nitish Kumar might otherwise dismiss the issue, claiming nothing was wrong earlier.
Tejashwi Yadav’s Social Media Attack
Tejashwi Yadav took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) late at night, posting videos of his inspection. In his post, he wrote that the footage reflected a glimpse of two decades of NDA rule in Bihar.
He claimed that the so-called medical college functioned worse than a district hospital, community health center, or even a primary health center. He described the government as “jumlebaaz” and labeled the health minister as incompetent.
Critical Shortages Exposed
According to Tejashwi, Purnea Medical College and Hospital lacked even basic facilities. He claimed there was no functional ICU and no trauma center in operation. The hospital also did not have a cardiology department for heart patients.
He alleged that patients were forced to share beds, sometimes three on a single bed. Bedsheets were reportedly not changed for weeks, sometimes 15 to 20 days at a stretch. He described the toilets as unfit, particularly for orthopedic and physically disabled patients, with structures raised two feet above the floor.
Tejashwi pointed out the absence of hygiene and sanitation across the hospital. He said the hospital lacked qualified staff and adequate resources to function as a medical college.
Nurse and Doctor Shortages
Tejashwi alleged that Purnea Medical College had 255 sanctioned nursing posts, yet only 55 nurses were employed. With three shifts, only 18 nurses were available at one time, and fewer when some were on leave.
He added that 80 percent of doctor posts at the hospital remained vacant. The college did not have a single permanent dresser, and across the campus, only four operation theater assistants were available.
He emphasized that many of the 23 hospital departments were closed. Professors and assistant professors existed only on paper, leaving students without proper guidance.
Unpaid Medical Interns
Another concern raised by Tejashwi was the non-payment of stipends to medical interns. He claimed that interns at Purnea Medical College had not received salaries for six months.
He argued that without paying interns and ensuring proper facilities, the government was weakening future medical professionals and discouraging young doctors from staying in Bihar.
Impact on Patients
Tejashwi said that due to the collapse of the public healthcare system, patients were being forced to rely on private hospitals. He estimated that around 10,000 patients from Purnea and surrounding areas visited private hospitals daily.
According to him, the lack of doctors, nurses, medical equipment, and basic amenities at government facilities had driven people into expensive private care, burdening poor families.
Attack on NDA Government
Tejashwi Yadav did not hold back in blaming the ruling NDA alliance for Bihar’s healthcare crisis. He argued that 20 years of NDA government had created nothing but empty promises and neglected hospitals.
He said the government had failed to provide basic medical infrastructure even in institutions labeled as medical colleges. According to him, if the condition of a medical college hospital was so dire, district and community hospitals were bound to be worse.
Linking PM Modi’s Visit to Healthcare
By releasing his inspection video just before PM Modi’s Bihar visit, Tejashwi tried to shift the political focus. He urged the Prime Minister to see the ground reality instead of relying on official presentations.
He argued that PM Modi should witness how healthcare had been neglected in Bihar despite years of NDA rule. By highlighting this issue, Tejashwi aimed to corner both the central and state governments.
Bihar’s Healthcare Crisis
Bihar has long faced criticism for poor healthcare facilities. Government hospitals struggle with shortages of doctors, nurses, and essential equipment. Patients often wait for hours, and critical care units are either absent or poorly equipped.
The Purnea Medical College inspection by Tejashwi has once again brought national attention to these systemic problems. With PM Modi visiting the state, the opposition hopes the spotlight will stay on Bihar’s healthcare crisis.
Political Context
Tejashwi’s move comes at a politically charged time. With elections approaching, healthcare failures provide the opposition with strong ammunition against the ruling NDA.
By exposing Purnea Medical College’s deficiencies, Tejashwi has attempted to portray himself as the voice of the people and highlight the government’s failures. His timing, just before PM Modi’s visit, ensures maximum political impact.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit Bihar on September 15, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav has shifted the spotlight onto the state’s healthcare crisis. His surprise inspection of Purnea Medical College and Hospital exposed severe shortages, poor sanitation, and mismanagement.
From unpaid interns to missing ICUs, from vacant nursing posts to patients lying on floors, Tejashwi painted a grim picture of Bihar’s healthcare system under NDA rule. He urged PM Modi to see the situation firsthand and hold the Bihar government accountable.
The confrontation highlights the deep political divide in Bihar. While PM Modi is expected to focus on development announcements during his visit, Tejashwi’s revelations may dominate the narrative.
The condition of Purnea Medical College is now not just a local issue but a symbol of Bihar’s healthcare crisis. With elections on the horizon, the opposition will likely continue pressing this issue, making healthcare a key battleground in Bihar politics.
