Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on
Tuesday said the third wave of COVID-19 pandemic has already begun in the state
and his government has taken necessary steps to save people from the
deadly virus.

Nitish also appreciated the role doctors
have played in saving the lives of people during the last two waves of the
pandemic.

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“The doctors worked tirelessly risking
their lives and treated both COVID and non-COVID patients when the first and
second waves of COVID hit the state. They deserve all the appreciations,”
Nitish Kumar said while inaugurating the 96th national conference of the Indian
Medical Association (IMA) in Patna.

He said since the third wave of the
COVID-19 pandemic has already started in Bihar, the state health department was
busy improving facilities at the hospitals as per the guidelines issued by the
central and state governments.

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The CM has also apprised the people at the
meeting about the works being done by the government to improve healthcare
facilities in the state. “The Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) is
being developed as a world-class facility with over 5,400 beds. The number of
beds at NMCH and some other medical college and hospitals in the state was also
being increased,” Nitish added.

He, meanwhile, said that the number of beds
at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences in Patna was also being
increased. “Nine new medical colleges have been established in the state,” the
CM said.

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CM Nitish Kumar also asked the doctors to
make people aware of the health problems caused by the consumption of liquor
and open defecation. He said since doctors earn a distinct status in society
and are considered “god” by people for saving precious lives, they may
contribute to bringing awareness in the society against social evils.

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Bihar on Tuesday reported 155 COVID-19
positive cases.