PATNA, Nov. 25 -- Returning to the helm as Bihar's health minister for the fourth time, Mangal Pandey on Tuesday announced an aggressive push to strengthen the state's healthcare system, including filling 46,157 vacancies "in the shortest possible time" and fast-tracking the new 400-bed superspecialty orthopaedic hospital in Patna.

Addressing a press conference after assuming charge, Pandey said the upgrading of the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Orthopaedic Hospital, estimated to cost Rs.215 crore, will be completed within three months. "This will be a major achievement for Bihar and greatly benefit patients with bone-related ailments across the state," he said.

Pandey detailed the status of the extensive recruitment drive, noting that ...