What Actions is Jharkhand HC Taking on RIMS Facilities?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jharkhand High Court demands inspection of RIMS.
- Committee to report on hospital facilities within 10 days.
- Concerns over staff shortages and infrastructure issues.
- Importance of immediate reforms in healthcare services.
- Public interest litigation highlights systemic problems.
Ranchi, Nov 20 (NationPress) The Jharkhand High Court convened on Thursday to discuss a public interest litigation (PIL) that emphasizes the inadequate treatment facilities and subpar infrastructure at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi, which is the largest government hospital and medical college in the state.
The court instructed the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) to form a committee to conduct a thorough site inspection of RIMS. This committee is expected to provide a comprehensive report within 10 days.
In line with the court’s directives, the JHALSA team will assess the actual conditions of essential services at the hospital. This includes evaluating the availability of medications, the operation of pathology units, the state of the trauma center, water supply, sanitation, hygiene, maintenance of buildings, and other basic amenities for patients.
The petitioner has been directed to meticulously review the affidavits submitted by RIMS and the state government in response to the High Court’s previous directive from October 10, 2025.
The court mandated that the petitioner present a comparative analysis in a tabular format to determine whether the claimed improvements in the affidavits have been effectively implemented.
The division bench comprising Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, after considering the submissions, has scheduled the next hearing for December 3.
The High Court has consistently voiced grave concerns regarding the declining state of RIMS. Despite being the leading multispecialty healthcare facility in the state, the hospital faces persistent challenges such as severe staffing shortages, outdated medical equipment, neglected infrastructure, and ongoing allegations of mismanagement and administrative negligence.
Complaints from patients and reports from the media have frequently spotlighted issues including long wait times, sanitation inadequacies, malfunctioning equipment, and overcrowding.
In addition to the suo motu case initiated by the court, a distinct PIL filed by social activist Jyoti Sharma has also highlighted systemic problems at RIMS.
This petition calls for immediate corrective actions, including hiring more doctors, nurses, technicians, and Group D staff; acquiring crucial medical equipment; and significant enhancements to healthcare services overall.