By Vishwapati
Patna: Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), one of Bihar’s most prestigious institutions, marked the completion of its 100 years on February 25, 2025. President Droupadi Murmu graced the centenary celebrations in Patna, highlighting the college’s rich legacy and its contributions to healthcare and education. She described PMCH as an invaluable heritage of Bihar, with a glorious history of preserving tradition while embracing modernity. Once ranked among the best hospitals in Asia, PMCH has produced alumni who have brought pride to the institution and the nation through their talent, dedication, and service.
President Murmu emphasized the challenges faced by patients who travel to other cities or states for treatment, including delays, accommodation issues, and the overburdening of major urban medical facilities. She advocated for the decentralization of quality healthcare institutions across the country, citing cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Indore as models for specialty treatment centers. She urged Bihar to develop similar hubs, which would not only improve healthcare access for its residents but also boost the state’s economy. PMCH and its alumni, she noted, could play a pivotal role in this transformation with their expertise and experience.
The President also underscored the importance of technology in modern medicine. She highlighted the role of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in simplifying and enhancing medical processes, urging PMCH stakeholders to adopt the latest advancements. She stressed that such innovations would not only improve treatment outcomes but also enhance the knowledge and efficiency of healthcare professionals.
President Murmu praised doctors for their multifaceted roles as researchers, therapists, teachers, and counselors, emphasizing their contribution to nation-building. She called on them to raise awareness about the importance of blood and organ donation, furthering their service to society.
The event was attended by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Health Minister JP Nadda, PMCH alumni, and health ministers. Governor Khan shared life lessons with PMCH students through verses from the Gita, while Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his gratitude for the President’s presence. He reminisced about PMCH’s historical significance, noting that it was one of the few medical colleges in the country at the time of its establishment in 1925. He recalled its reputation for attracting students and patients from across India and shared his personal connection to the institution from his youth.
Nitish Kumar also outlined the ongoing efforts to modernize PMCH, including the construction of a world-class 5,400-bed facility. He mentioned that the first phase is nearly complete, with the second and third phases underway. Additionally, he highlighted plans to expand five other medical colleges in Bihar to 2,500-bed hospitals and upgrade IGIMS to a 3,000-bed facility.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda, who was born at PMCH, praised the institution’s global reach, noting that its alumni hold prominent positions worldwide. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for transforming Bihar from a “sick state” to a leading state, reflecting on the progress made in recent years.
The centenary celebration not only honored PMCH’s century-long legacy but also set a vision for its future as a beacon of healthcare excellence and innovation.
The author, Vishwapati, is a senior journalist based in Patna. He may be contacted at vishwapati25@gmail.com
