Tuesday, January 31 2006 10:42 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Taking note of the presence of thousands of leading doctors from across the country to participate in the annual meet of Association of Physicians of India, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar yesterday(Jan 30,2006) said this proved the point that the situation in Bihar was fast changing as it was 'no longer' a land of ridicule for outsiders.

"The situation is fast changing here. Presence of thousands of doctors from across the country proves our point that" situation in Bihar is changing and it is 'no longer a land of fear or mockery' for outsiders, Kumar said.

The chief minister was delivering the inaugural address of the four-day 61st 'APICON' (Association of Physicians of India Conference).

Kumar requested the doctors hailing from outside to act as a 'brand ambassador' of the state and convince about the reality to people (that the situation has changed in Bihar) and help the state strengthen its medicare system.

The chief minister quipped, in a lighter vein, "As you (doctors) treat diseases of people, I am trying to cure the ailment of Bihar".

Kumar expressed his resolve to 'revive' the medical colleges in state to stop flight of students to institutions in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and elsewhere.

Cinestar and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Shatrughan Sinha, who shared the podium with Kumar for the first time after installation of the BJP-Janata Dal (JD) United (U) government in Bihar, following his non-participation in National Democratic Alliance (NDA) campaigning in recent polls, hailed the chief minister for his initiatives to 'bring the state back on the path of development.' Over 4000 doctors from across the country are taking part in APICON.