ThePrint ThePrintPod: How Bihar is ramping up AB-PMJAY health infra to keep patients from turning to Delhi, Vellore
Jun 10, 2025
Bihar is making significant strides in healthcare, focusing on retaining patients by enhancing local facilities. The state has historically spent a large portion of its health budget on treatments outside, but now aims to keep care within its borders. With assembly elections on the horizon, there's a renewed commitment to improving medical services and infrastructure through the Ayushman Bharat initiative. This move could redefine healthcare access for many in the region.
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Bihar's High Outside Healthcare Spend
- Bihar spends a third of its AB-PMJAY budget on patients hospitalized outside the state.
- This is due to lack of quality healthcare, prompting beneficiaries to seek treatment in Delhi and Vellore.
Strengthen Bihar's Local Healthcare
- Strengthen specialty, super-specialty, and primary healthcare within Bihar.
- Support AIIMS Patna to become a major health hub in the state.
Bihar's Disproportionate Portability Use
- Nationwide, only 2.8% of AB-PMJAY spending is through portability feature.
- Bihar's portability spend is disproportionately high at 32.9%, indicating state-specific healthcare gaps.