PATNA, July 6 -- Bihar chief minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday reviewed healthcare services, infrastructure and the proposed expansion plans of AIIMS Patna, reaffirming the state government's commitment to strengthening tertiary healthcare facilities in Bihar, officials said. During his visit, the chief minister inspected the land earmarked for the institute's expansion and reviewed plans for new clinical blocks, advanced treatment facilities and enhanced infrastructure for medical education and research. The proposed expansion is expected to add around 200 hospital beds, significantly enhancing AIIMS Patna's capacity to serve patients from Bihar and neighbouring states, said a press release issued by the institute Choudhary also visited the burn centre, outpatient department (OPD), nuclear medicine department, inpatient department (IPD) and other critical care units, where he assessed patient care facilities and interacted with doctors, healthcare professionals and officials. Assuring all possible support from the state government, the chief minister said the proposed expansion would improve access to advanced medical care and further strengthen Bihar's healthcare delivery system. The visit concluded with a review meeting on ongoing projects, infrastructure requirements and the institute's future development plans. AIIMS-Patna executive director Prof. (Brig.) Dr. Raju Agarwal and senior faculty members briefed the chief minister on AIIMS Patna's achievements, operational requirements and expansion roadmap. Earlier, Bihar deputy chief minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary inaugurated a national academic programme on "Communication in Healthcare," organised by AIIMS Patna in collaboration with the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). The programme, themed "From Empathy to Patient Safety: Strengthening Professional Communication in Clinical Practice," brought together more than 700 medical teachers, specialists, postgraduate trainees and healthcare professionals from across the country. Addressing the gathering, the deputy CM said effective communication is the foundation of trust between doctors and patients and plays a vital role in improving healthcare outcomes. NBEMS president Dr. Abhijat Sheth stressed the need to strengthen patient-centred care and communication skills in medical education, while experts discussed empathy, patient safety and effective clinical communication, the release said....