Chief minister Nitish Kumar inaugurates Swasthya Samagam Bihar at Rabindra Bhavan in Patna on Saturday. Picture by Ranjeet Kumar Dey

Patna, Sept. 14: A power cut during chief minister Nitish Kumar’s address at a health conclave organised by the JD(U) health cell at Rabindra Bhavan today reflected the energy crisis in the state.

However, in a short while, the generator helped restore power, allowing the chief minister to address the gathering.

“Nitish Kumar had just entered the hall at Rabindra Bhavan and occupied his seat when the power suddenly went off. The venue was plunged into darkness but there was no major pandemonium. The organisers acted swiftly and switched on the generator kept as power backup,” said an officer, who attended the function.

In his address, Nitish said the state government was serious about the security of doctors and if need be, the government was prepared to bring about amendments in the law.

“The state government wants every district to have full-fledged ICU and CT scan facilities. We are serious about the security of doctors. The state government is prepared to make amendments in the law if need be. Health department principal secretary Deepak Kumar would soon hold a meeting with the doctors to understand their problems. Another meeting with the law department would be held and things would be discussed in detail. Adequate steps would be taken to ensure their security,” Nitish said.

Nitish added that the state government was considering the salary hike of those regular doctors who have completed their postgraduation.

“According to a 2006 survey, it was found that the number of patients visiting any primary health centre every month rested at only 39. The situation has now changed and 1,100 patients visit them every month. Bihar is seeing the opening of medical colleges and nursing schools. The work is being done and one should be just a bit patient,” said Nitish.