Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH), Patna: OPD Appointment and Cost Guide

Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) is a significant state government-run medical institution located in Patna, the capital city of Bihar. Established as a medical college and hospital, it serves a large population from across the state, handling an approximate daily outpatient (OPD) footfall of 2,000 patients. With a sanctioned bed capacity of over 750, and recent reports indicating an operational capacity of over 1100 beds, the hospital is a key provider of both general and specialized medical care.

This guide provides detailed information for patients seeking treatment at NMCH, Patna. It covers the process for getting an OPD appointment, registration timings, expected costs, and information on financial assistance through government health schemes.

Registration and Timings

• OPD Registration Fee — UNKNOWN. As a government hospital, fees are subsidized. The hospital's official pages do not publish a fee schedule; confirm the current amount at the registration counter.
• OPD Registration Timings — 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Weekdays)
• General OPD Consultation Timings — 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Hospital Information

• Bed Capacity — Over 750 (sanctioned), with reports of over 1100 beds in operation
• Daily OPD Footfall (Approx.) — 2,000 patients
• Emergency Services — Available 24/7
• Hospital Contact Number — 0612-2918523 / 2631159

Rates shown are as per the Nalanda Medical College and Hospital, Patna Official Website (2024) and are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the latest approved rates on the official source.

How to get an appointment

Securing an appointment at Nalanda Medical College and Hospital is done through an in-person, on-site process. The hospital does not currently offer an online appointment booking portal, nor is it listed on national platforms like the Online Registration System (ors.gov.in) or eSanjeevani for teleconsultation.

Patients must visit the hospital and go to the centralized registration counter to get an OPD card. The registration window is open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on weekdays. After registration, a token-based system is used to manage the queue and direct patients to the respective department for their consultation. Given the high volume of patients, it is advisable to arrive early in the morning to complete the registration process.

How long it takes to get seen

With an estimated 2,000 patients visiting the OPD daily, wait times at NMCH can be considerable. The entire process, from queuing for registration to waiting for the consultation with the doctor, may take several hours.

The hospital uses a token system to create an orderly flow, but the large number of patients means that waiting is an expected part of the visit. Patients should plan their day accordingly, bringing any necessary food, water, and personal medications. Arriving as early as possible when the registration counter opens gives a better chance of being seen sooner in the day.

What treatment costs and financial help

As a state government hospital, NMCH offers medical services at highly subsidized rates. While specific costs for various procedures and tests are not publicly listed, the OPD registration fee is nominal. Patients should inquire about the exact fee at the registration counter upon arrival.

For individuals and families requiring financial assistance, NMCH accepts major government health insurance schemes. The hospital is empanelled to provide services under:

It is important to carry all necessary documentation for these schemes, including the scheme card and a valid ID, to avail the benefits for applicable treatments. Emergency and casualty services are available 24/7 for accidents, trauma, and other critical medical needs.

• Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): This central government scheme provides a health cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization for eligible beneficiaries.
• Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana (CMJAY): This is a Bihar state government scheme that extends the same ₹5 lakh per family per year benefit to eligible households in Bihar that were not covered under the central PM-JAY scheme.

Key departments

NMCH provides a broad range of medical and surgical services through its various departments. The hospital is equipped with diagnostic facilities including CT scan, ultrasound, and X-ray, supported by a central pathology lab. Key departments include:

• General Medicine
• General Surgery
• Obstetrics & Gynaecology
• Paediatrics
• Orthopaedics
• Ophthalmology (Eye)
• ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat)
• Dermatology, Skin, S.T.D. & Leprosy
• Psychiatry
• T.B. & Chest
• Radiology
• Anesthesiology
• Cardiology (Super-specialty)
• Neurology (Super-specialty)
• Nephrology (Super-specialty)
• Neurosurgery (Super-specialty)

More government hospitals in Bihar

OPD appointment guides for other government hospitals in Bihar:

• AIIMS Patna: Appointment, OPD Registration, and Costs
• OPD Appointment at ANMMCH, Gaya: A Patient Guide
• OPD Appointment at Sadar Hospital, Bihar Sharif (Nalanda): A Patient Guide
• OPD Appointment at Sadar Hospital, Ara: A Patient Guide
• OPD Appointment at Sadar Hospital, Buxar: A Patient Guide
• OPD Appointment at GMCH Chapra, Bihar: A Patient Guide
• All government hospital OPD guides in Patna
• All government hospital OPD guides in Bihar

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment online for NMCH Patna?

Based on available information, appointments at NMCH are made in person. You need to visit the hospital's centralized registration counter. There is no online appointment system currently available.

What is the OPD registration fee at NMCH Patna?

The exact OPD registration fee is not published on the hospital's official website. As a government institution, the fee is expected to be nominal and subsidized. Please confirm the amount at the registration counter during your visit.

Does NMCH Patna accept Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY)?

Yes, Nalanda Medical College and Hospital is an empanelled hospital under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). Eligible beneficiaries can avail of the scheme's benefits for specified treatments.

What are the OPD timings at NMCH?

OPD registration takes place from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on weekdays. General OPD consultation hours are listed as 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Are emergency services available at NMCH Patna?

Yes, the hospital operates a 24/7 emergency department and casualty services to handle trauma, accidents, and other critical medical conditions.

Which government schemes are available at NMCH Patna?

NMCH accepts both the central government's Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) scheme and the state government's Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana (CMJAY), both of which provide health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for eligible beneficiaries.

Related

• How to find an Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) hospital near you
• Government health schemes in India: a guide
• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY eligibility check

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.