In a significant move to strengthen primary health infrastructure, the Bihar state government has set a target to open 3,200 new health sub-centres across various districts. The project will be implemented in a phased manner, with work to be carried out on a priority basis in the year 2026.
Objective And Need
The primary objective of this scheme is to provide timely and basic health facilities to populations living in rural and remote areas. According to the Health Department, the decision stems from the growing population and the increasing demand for healthcare services in these regions.
Current Status Of Healthcare
Currently, approximately 10,000 health sub-centres are operational across most villages in Bihar. These centres have been pivotal in:
- Promoting institutional deliveries.
- Improving immunisation coverage.
- Tackling malnutrition.
Providing services such as maternal and child health, family planning, primary screening for common diseases, and public health awareness.
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Modern Standards For New Centres
The proposed 3,200 new sub-centres will be developed in line with modern standards. The government has assured that these facilities will be equipped with:
- Clean buildings with electricity and drinking water.
- Essential medicines and testing kits.
- Trained health personnel.
- Strengthening Support Systems
Alongside the physical infrastructure, the government plans to strengthen the system of delivering health services door-to-door. This will be achieved by empowering Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs).
Expected Impact
Experts believe that achieving this target on time will lead to a major improvement in rural health infrastructure. By addressing many diseases at the primary level, the initiative is expected to:
- Reduce the patient load on district and referral hospitals.
- Give new momentum to the goal of a "Healthy Bihar."