Patna, Dec 17 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has given approval to the opening of five new medical colleges and hospitals in the state, an official said on Thursday.

The chief minister approved the proposal for new medical colleges in a meeting called to review the performance of the state health department, in which state Health Minister Tej Pratap Yadav was also present.

Once the new medical colleges come up, the total number of such institutions in Bihar will go up to 22.

It was also decided to set up four-bed intensive care units in all district hospitals.