Ranchi : Just a day after resuming office following a Jharkhand High Court order, Dr Raj Kumar, reinstated Director of the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, is under fire from the state health minister and sections of the medical fraternity over his decision to promote junior doctors allegedly bypassing senior colleagues.
Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari on Wednesday accused Dr Kumar of violating promotion norms and failing to consult the health department. “Junior doctors were promoted while their seniors were ignored, sparking outrage. If this is not reversed, senior doctors may go on strike,” he warned.
The controversy comes even as Dr Kumar swiftly cleared long-pending administrative work, including the purchase of an MRI machine and the processing of doctor promotions, upon his return to office on Tuesday.
Departmental Inquiry Likely
Health Secretary Ajoy Kumar Singh confirmed that the promotions are under review and a departmental inquiry into Dr Kumar’s decisions may be initiated. “Any decision not ratified by the governing body is not valid,” said Ansari.
Medical Fraternity Divided
Doctors at RIMS have expressed disappointment, alleging that due process was ignored and promotions were processed arbitrarily. Several medical associations have raised concerns over Dr Kumar’s style of functioning, which they claim has previously caused delays in departmental activities.
Court-Ordered Reinstatement
The Jharkhand High Court had recently stayed the state government’s decision to remove Dr Kumar from his post, calling it “legally untenable” and observing that he was removed without due process. Dr Kumar, a former professor of neurosurgery at SGPGIMS Lucknow, was appointed as RIMS Director in January 2024 for a three-year term.
His earlier removal had been recommended by the RIMS governing council on grounds of alleged negligence, delays in departmental work, and disregard for official orders.
Despite his reinstatement, fresh controversy around administrative transparency and procedural compliance may once again jeopardize his tenure.
