Bihar CM Urges Doctors to Curb Unnecessary Referrals to Tertiary Hospitals

Patna – In a candid address to doctors employed by the state health department, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said it was high time the medical fraternity stopped sending patients to big hospitals without a good reason. He warned that “unnecessary referrals” were not just a paperwork issue; they strained the already‑busy tertiary centres and, frankly, put patients through extra travel and waiting.

The CM, speaking at a gathering of senior physicians, reminded everyone that the primary‑care network exists for a purpose. “We have decent district hospitals, we have PHCs; let’s make the best use of them before we think of sending a case to AIIMS Patna or any other super‑specialty institute,” he said, adding a slight chuckle as if recalling a familiar scene of patients queuing far from home.

He didn’t just rail against the habit, though. Kumar laid out a simple, almost common‑sense checklist: a clear diagnosis, documented treatment tried at the lower level, and a justified need for specialised care. If any of those boxes are missing, the referral, he argued, should be reconsidered.

Doctors, according to the chief minister, should also be mindful of the human side of the story. “A mother traveling 200 kilometres because her child was sent to a major hospital when a local doctor could have managed it – that’s the kind of avoidable hardship we must cut down,” he noted, pausing briefly as if visualising the scenario.

The message was also a subtle nudge to the health administration to shore up primary‑care facilities – more staff, better equipment, and clearer guidelines. “If we strengthen the base, the top won’t be clogged,” Kumar remarked, echoing a sentiment that has been echoed in health‑policy circles for years.

While the speech was pointed, it remained encouraging. The CM thanked doctors for their relentless service, especially during the pandemic, and urged them to view the call as a collaborative effort rather than a reprimand. “We’re all on the same team, aiming for a healthier Bihar,” he concluded, leaving the gathering with a sense of renewed purpose.