PATNA, July 3 -- Bihar chief minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday directed the health department to stop unnecessary referrals from sub-divisional and district hospitals to medical colleges and higher health institutions from August 15, as part of efforts to strengthen the state's referral system and improve access to quality healthcare, said a government communique. Chairing a high-level review meeting at Sankalp Sabhagar at the chief minister's residence, Choudhary instructed officials to develop an effective referral mechanism backed by a clear policy and implement it in a time-bound manner. The initiative will roll out in the first phase at district and sub-divisional hospitals. The chief minister also called for expanding pathology services and advanced diagnostic facilities, including anaesthesia support, MRI and mammography, to make them more accessible. He stressed the need to strengthen and operationalise trauma centres, particularly for orthopaedic and neurological care. To improve accountability, Choudhary directed divisional commissioners, district magistrates and other senior officials to conduct regular night inspections of government hospitals. He also asked authorities to ensure optimal utilisation of medical equipment at district hospitals and strengthen monitoring of medical colleges through district administrations, said the press release. Emphasising patient-centric healthcare, the chief minister ordered the installation of digital display boards in all government hospitals to prominently provide information on emergency services, ambulance facilities and other essential services. He also directed the reconstitution and activation of Rogi Kalyan Samitis to improve hospital governance....