Once redeveloped, the PMCH will become world’s second-largest hospital by capacity. (Image source: www.patnamedicalcollege.edu.in)A new medical college with a capacity for 250 annual admissions and residential facilities for 644 faculty members, a heliport, and 1,150 new beds – these are some of the new features that the Patna Medical College and Hospital will soon boast of following its Rs 5,544 crore facelift.First approved by the Bihar cabinet in 2018, the project aims to convert PMCH into a 5,462-bed hospital. Once redeveloped, it will become the world’s second-largest by capacity.Sharing updates on the project, Dr Indrashekhar Thakur, medical superintendent at PMCH, said, “The first phase of the project includes the construction of four towers, two of which are almost ready. As soon as L&T hands over the buildings to us, we will begin operations.”Dr Thakur explained that with completion of the first phase, PMCH’s 1,150 beds will include 500 emergency beds, 500 ICU beds, 136 private rooms, 10 deluxe rooms, and two exclusive suites for VIPs.“The two towers, which we expect to start within a few months, already has 2 suites, 10 deluxe rooms, and about 68 private rooms ready, along with 27 modular operation theatres,” said Dr Thakur adding that “a helipad will also be made operational as part of the first phase.”The medical superintendent said: “Once the two buildings are operational, a range of OPD departments such as medicine, cardiology, dentistry, ophthalmology, obstetrics and gynaecology will start in them, with several departments, including paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, ophthalmology, dermatology, and venereal diseases, being shifted from their current locations to the new towers.”On February 27 last year, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated several key components of the redevelopment — including multi-level car parking, nurses’ and girls’ hostels, central utility buildings, and the foundation stone for the Power Grid.Story continues below this adThe redevelopment project will cover around 78 lakh square feet of built-up area and will include 1,745 car parking spaces and an auditorium with a capacity of 1,800.Dr. Thakur said that a new G+7 Super-Specialty Department is under construction. “This department will have 200 beds and will include specialised units in Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Neurology, Haematology, Neurosurgery, Neonatology, and Urology,” he said.“The hostel that can accommodate 550 nurses and 1,620 students, is in ready to move condition and shifting will soon begin,” Dr Thakur said.© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Nitish KumarPatna Medical College