- Bihar’s new referral policy comes into effect on August 15, 2026. Patient stabilisation, recording referral details on the Bhavya portal and a government ambulance are mandatory.
Bihar News : Bihar’s new referral policy comes into effect on August 15, 2026. The main objective is to prevent unnecessary referrals from district and subdivision hospitals to major healthcare facilities. Under the new system, a patient’s condition must first be stabilised, the medical reason for referral must be recorded on the Bhavya Digital Portal, and a government ambulance must be arranged.
The move is aimed at reducing the burden of routine cases at major hospitals such as PMCH, NMCH and IGIMS, allowing them to focus more effectively on serious and specialised cases.
Patient Must Be Stabilised Before Referral
Under the new policy, doctors will have to provide a clear and specific medical reason for referring a patient. Critically ill patients cannot simply be sent to another hospital without first receiving primary treatment and being stabilised.
Doctors and healthcare workers may face action for referring ordinary patients to major hospitals without a valid or serious medical reason.
Referral Details to Be Recorded on Bhavya Portal
Complete details of the patient’s treatment and the reason for referral must be entered online on the Bhavya Digital Portal.
The referred patient or their family members will also be provided with a computerised copy of all records related to the treatment and referral.
Government Ambulance Mandatory
A government ambulance will be mandatory for patients being referred to another hospital. The arrangement is intended to ensure a more organised transfer of patients after referral.
The three key referral requirements are:
- The patient’s condition must be stabilised before referral.
- Treatment details and the reason for referral must be recorded on the Bhavya Portal.
- The referred patient must be transported by a government ambulance.
District Hospitals to Get Stronger Medical Facilities
According to the Health Department, all 36 district hospitals in Bihar will provide 70 types of surgeries. Pathology and radiology services, including blood tests and MRI, will be available around the clock so doctors can receive reports quickly and begin treatment.
District hospitals facing a shortage of specialist doctors will receive specialist services from other hospitals on a rotational basis. This is intended to strengthen treatment facilities at the district level and reduce unnecessary referrals to major hospitals.
