The Bihar government on Wednesday increased the annual income eligibility threshold under the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Fund from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 4 lakh. This change broadens access to financial help for patients needing medical care. The move received approval during a cabinet session led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.
Health Minister Nishant stated that the updated limit will allow more individuals with serious conditions to obtain state support for expensive treatments.
A health department official noted that the adjustment will help additional families receive benefits under the programme and obtain proper medical services without economic strain.
The fund began in 2006 under former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to assist low-income patients with high-cost care.
The scheme covers major procedures including heart operations, kidney transplants, cancer therapy and other critical services at approved facilities.
Official figures indicate rising use of the programme. In 2024-25, nearly 27,890 patients obtained Rs 216.75 crore. For 2025-26 through March, Rs 202.63 crore went to 25,731 patients. In April 2026, 2,028 people received Rs 17.79 crore.
The cabinet also approved a plan for the Water Resources Department to perform land-filling and levelling at the future AIIMS Darbhanga location with soil from river desilting. Necessary funds were sanctioned.
The new AIIMS will be built near the Shobhan-Ekmi bypass in Darbhanga and will serve as Bihar’s second such institute after AIIMS Patna. It will include an 800-bed super-speciality hospital, medical and nursing colleges, plus specialised units.
