Nalanda Medical College principal Gita Singh (left) and health minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey inaugurate the 43rd foundation day of the institute in Patna on Tuesday. Picture by Sachin

The health department has asked Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) to prepare a vision document for being upgraded to a centre of excellence and improve functioning of the institution.

Principal secretary, health, Vyasji on Tuesday raised the point with the college authorities during a programme to mark the NMCH’s 43rd foundation day and alumni meet. Twenty-one students were also felicitated for topping in as many subjects.

Vyasji said: “The NMCH needs to set a benchmark for itself in providing healthcare facilities similar to that are being offered by Patna Medical College and Hospital. At present, the NMCH outpatient department is receiving fewer patients than Patna Medical College and Hospital.”

The superintendents of NMCH and PMCH said the outpatient departments of the health hubs get 1,000-1,200 and 2,500-3,000 patients respectively, daily.

Vyasji said: “I would request Nalanda Medical College principal Dr Gita Singh and other faculty members to prepare a vision document for the next 25 years which can help develop the health hub as a centre of excellence.”

The government has sanctioned funds to the NMCH to upgrade its infrastructure, including extension of the college building.

Health minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey, the chief guest, assured the authorities of starting the construction of the medical college’s lecture hall within this month.

He said: “The building construction department has been provided with the money to start construction but the work has not started because of some technical problems.”