Health Minister Assures Action After PMCH Staff Dispute Disrupts Medical Services

Brief By Newsbrief / 1:18 PM on 08 Jul 2026

Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar has assured action following the dispute between nurses and junior doctors at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), which disrupted medical services for several hours. The conflict erupted after the death of a staff nurse's husband during treatment, with the family alleging medical negligence. The incident prompted nurses to stage an eight-hour strike, affecting scheduled surgeries, outpatient services and routine hospital operations before they resumed work after receiving assurances from the hospital administration. Meanwhile, the PMCH Junior Doctors' Association also announced an indefinite strike, although emergency, ICU, labour room and emergency operation theatre services continue to function. The Health Department has constituted a seven-member inquiry committee, directing it to submit its report within seven days. Separately, during a surprise inspection of LNJP Hospital, Nishant Kumar issued show-cause notices to two doctors over alleged negligence and procedural irregularities, reiterating that lapses in government hospitals would not be tolerated.