Ranchi: The Jharkhand High Court has summoned the state’s Health Secretary and the Director of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) to appear in person on August 6, demanding a detailed explanation regarding the deteriorating condition of the premier health institution.
The directive came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Tuesday, where a division bench comprising Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar expressed serious concern over persistent vacancies and mismanagement at RIMS.
Court Slams Government Inaction
The court pulled up the state government for its failure to fill critical vacancies, including posts of doctors, faculty, technical staff, and Group D workers, despite the regular allocation of funds. In a scathing remark, the bench questioned,
“If appointments are not being made in a premier institution like RIMS, how can the health of common citizens be safeguarded?”
It further condemned the institute’s return of unutilized funds, terming it an example of “policy negligence” and administrative apathy.
PIL Highlights Systemic Lapses
The PIL was filed by social worker Jyoti Sharma, with advocate Deepak Dubey representing her. The petition highlighted shocking vacancies:
- Dental College:
- 37 Professors
- 9 Additional Professors
- 56 Associate Professors
- 43 Assistant Professors
- Nursing College:
- 144 Group-C nursing staff
- 44 paramedical staff
- 418 Group-D staff
The petition also pointed to the non-availability of essential medical equipment, further undermining the institution’s ability to provide quality care.
Private Practice Despite Allowances
The court also expressed strong disapproval of RIMS doctors allegedly engaging in private practice despite drawing non-practising allowances, in violation of service rules. Reports suggest that some doctors even maintain private clinics and fixed hours outside hospital duty, despite being full-time government employees.
Taking serious note, the court has directed the RIMS Director to submit a complete biometric attendance report of all such doctors by the next hearing.
The court’s strong intervention underscores the urgent need for reforms and accountability in Jharkhand’s public healthcare system, particularly within one of its most important medical institutions.
