Patna: The state health department has directed district hospitals to expand the range of surgeries performed and reduce their dependence on caesarean section deliveries, with a greater focus on general, orthopaedic and ophthalmic procedures.Health secretary Kumar Ravi issued the directive while reviewing the surgical performance and operational efficiency of Sadar Hospitals in Nawada, Kishanganj, Aurangabad, Buxar, Gopalganj and Jamui on Friday.He stressed that district hospitals should develop the capacity to perform a wider range of surgeries so that patients can access specialised treatment closer to home instead of being routinely referred to tertiary hospitals in Patna.Hospital administrations were instructed to ensure round-the-clock availability of functional operation theatres and medical equipment, while district authorities were asked to address infrastructure and operational gaps. The review also focused on the deployment of specialist doctors and support staff, with hospital heads directed to prepare better duty rosters and utilise available specialists efficiently.Officials said expanding surgical services at the district level would improve access to specialised healthcare, reduce the burden on tertiary care facilities and strengthen Bihar’s public health system by making treatment more accessible and affordable for patients.
