Improving Gynaecological Healthcare in Bihar: reflections from a stakeholder dialogue

– By Dr Mukta Agarwal

On 13 June 2026, AIIMS Patna/SAHELI hosted a meeting on Improving Gynaecological Health and Rationalising Hysterectomy Use in Bihar. The event brought together gynaecologists, public health experts, researchers and government representatives from across the state.

The event opened with an inaugural panel Prof. (Brig.) Raju Agarwal (Director, AIIMS Patna), Dr Ashok Kumar (Director, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital), Dr Neerja Bhatla (Ex-HoD, AIIMS New Delhi & SAHELI Co-PI), Dr Mukta Agarwal (HoD, AIIMS Patna & SAHELI Co-PI), Dr Hemali Heidi Sinha (Ex-HoD, AIIMS Patna & SAHELI Co-PI), Dr Sarita (State Health Society, Government of Bihar) and Dr Sapna Desai, PI, SAHELI. The meeting was attended by several senior gynaecologists from Bihar, including Dr Abha Rani Sinha (Vice President-East, FOGSI), Dr Manju Geeta Mishra, Dr Pragya Mishra (President, POGS), and Heads of Departments from various medical colleges across the state. The venue reflected Bihar’s rich cultural heritage, featuring vibrant Madhubani artwork and textiles.

The meeting featured keynote addresses from Dr Ashok Kumar on implementing the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s National Guidelines to Prevent Unnecessary Hysterectomies, and Dr Neerja Bhatla on expanding access to evidence-based alternatives to hysterectomy and improving the quality of gynaecological care. Dr Sarita also informed participants about the notification of the State Hysterectomy Monitoring Committee and its role in strengthening hysterectomy surveillance across Bihar.

The programme included panel discussions and interactive group sessions that explored a broad range of issues relevant to women’s health, including SAHELI’s findings from the population survey, medical audit synthesis and textbook analysis. Discussions focused on improving clinical practice, strengthening teaching and training, supporting implementation of national guidelines, and expanding access to quality gynaecological care. Participants also discussed practical approaches to improving medical audits, enhancing awareness among healthcare providers, and ensuring that women have access to appropriate treatment options before surgery is considered.

As part of the half day event, post graduate students from all medical colleges of Patna were invited to make reels about preventing unnecessary hysterectomy. Great participation was observed with 3 groups finally declared as winners. In the second half of the event was a quiz focusing on hysterectomy.

The winning reels can be viewed here:

The meeting also provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on future priorities for education and capacity building. Group discussions generated ideas around strengthening training for healthcare professionals, improving access to evidence-based treatments, and supporting continued dialogue between clinicians, researchers and policymakers. These conversations reinforced the importance of building sustainable systems that support high-quality, patient-centred gynaecological care.

The discussions attracted attention in Bihar’s regional press, with coverage in Pratah Kiran and Dainik Bhaskar.

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