Medical treatment in Bihar will now cost ₹2; Centre approves 598 urban health centres.
Patna: There is welcome news regarding healthcare services for residents of Bihar’s urban areas, particularly the economically disadvantaged and those living in slum settlements. The Central Government has approved the operation of 598 urban health centers in the state under the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM). The plan is to provide medical treatment at these centers for a nominal fee of just two rupees. This initiative is expected to enable urban poor and needy families to access primary healthcare services within their own neighborhoods.
For the 2026-27 financial year, the Central Government has sanctioned the operation of 164 Urban Primary Health Centres and 434 Urban Health and Wellness Centres in Bihar. Consequently, primary healthcare services will be expanded through a total of 598 health centers across the state’s urban areas. The government aims to improve access to healthcare facilities in urban regions and extend treatment services to populations that often miss out on quality healthcare due to economic or geographical constraints.
Treatment for Two Rupees
Under the new system, medical treatment will be provided to patients at these urban health centers for a fee of only two rupees. This measure could help reduce reliance on private hospitals or expensive clinics for the treatment of common ailments and primary medical care.
The rapidly growing urban population has placed increasing pressure on government hospitals. The operation of these new health centers will facilitate the provision of primary care at the local level. Patients will no longer need to travel to distant, large hospitals for minor illnesses, common health issues, or basic medical treatment.
Special Benefits for Slum Residents
Residents of shantytowns and slum settlements are expected to derive the greatest benefit from these urban health centers. Many families in these areas struggle to afford treatment at private hospitals. Often, due to financial constraints, people ignore illnesses or seek hospital care only when their condition becomes critical.
The expansion of these new health centers will ensure that such families can access primary healthcare facilities right in their own localities. The availability of affordable treatment will facilitate easier access to healthcare services for the public. The government’s plan is viewed as a significant step towards expanding healthcare access for the urban poor and ensuring timely medical treatment.
Expanding the Scope of Healthcare Services under NUHM
The Health Department has decided to strengthen and expand the scope of healthcare services in the state under the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM). The objective of NUHM is to deliver primary healthcare services to urban populations, particularly the vulnerable and underprivileged. Under this initiative, new Urban Primary Health Centres and Health and Wellness Centres will be operationalized in Bihar.
Urban Primary Health Centres will provide primary medical care at the local level, while Health and Wellness Centres will play a crucial role in bringing healthcare services closer to the community. These centres will facilitate regular health check-ups, early detection of illnesses, and referrals to appropriate medical institutions for further treatment when necessary.
164 Urban Primary Health Centres
Approval has been granted for the operation of 164 Urban Primary Health Centres in Bihar for the 2026-27 financial year. These centres will play a pivotal role in providing primary medical care to the urban population. In addition to treating common ailments, patients are expected to receive essential health advice and guidance regarding further treatment.
Increasing the number of Primary Health Centres in urban areas could also help alleviate the patient burden on large government hospitals. Currently, a large number of people visit district hospitals or major medical institutions even for minor health issues. The availability of primary care at the local level can reduce reliance on large hospitals for such cases.
434 Health and Wellness Centres to be Operationalized
Additionally, approval has been granted for the operation of 434 urban Health and Wellness Centres. These centres aim to bring healthcare services closer to the community. Beyond providing primary healthcare, they will play a significant role in raising health awareness and facilitating the early detection of diseases.
Under the government’s plan, the focus will be on connecting the urban population to regular healthcare services through these centres. These new centers could prove particularly beneficial for people in areas where healthcare facilities are relatively scarce.
Expansion of the Urban Health System
The urban population in Bihar is steadily increasing. Along with urban expansion, there has been a significant rise in the number of people living in slums and settlements inhabited by the economically disadvantaged. Consequently, extending government health services to these areas poses a major challenge. The operationalization of 598 new health centers is expected to help address this challenge.
Access to affordable medical treatment could alleviate the financial burden of healthcare costs on poor families. Furthermore, receiving treatment during the early stages of an illness would increase the likelihood of preventing serious health complications.
Following approval from the Central Government…
