After a tragic fire at a private hospital in Muzaffarpur claimed multiple lives, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Bihar President Mangni Lal Mandal expressed deep concern over the incident. Mandal highlighted the inadequacies of the state government’s healthcare system, emphasizing that improved government facilities could reduce the heavy reliance on private hospitals for treatment. He criticized the alleged lack of safety standards in many private healthcare institutions and the insufficient regulatory oversight.
Mandal raised concerns about the absence of proper fire safety and security measures in numerous private hospitals across Bihar. He pointed out that the lenient enforcement of safety regulations has allowed these institutions to operate despite potential risks. Mandal suggested that stricter monitoring and enforcement of fire safety norms could prevent similar tragedies in the future. He also questioned the response of Bihar’s Health Minister Nishant Kumar, accusing the government of a delayed and inadequate reaction following the fire incident.
The RJD leader criticized the Health Minister for being away in Delhi while the incident unfolded, without promptly visiting Muzaffarpur or offering public condolences. Mandal alleged that the Minister returned to Patna only after facing criticism from the media and opposition parties, failing to meet with the affected families. These remarks reflect broader opposition criticism of the state government’s handling of the tragedy. The Bihar RJD President demanded Rs 50 lakh compensation for each deceased victim’s family and called for stringent action against hospitals violating safety norms.
RJD has urged for stronger regulation of private healthcare institutions, expansion of ICU facilities in government hospitals, and the availability of essential diagnostic services in public healthcare centers. Mandal pressed for accountability from the ruling establishment, questioning when significant improvements to Bihar’s healthcare infrastructure would be realized under the National Democratic Alliance’s governance led by Nitish Kumar.
