Why Has the Jharkhand HC Summoned the Health Secretary and RIMS Director?
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Synopsis
The Jharkhand High Court has taken a strong stand by summoning key health officials over severe staffing and equipment shortages at RIMS. This unprecedented move highlights the urgent need for accountability in the health sector, prompting questions about the future of healthcare services in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Jharkhand High Court summons key health officials.
- Severe staffing shortages at RIMS.
- Public Interest Litigation raises critical issues.
- Government's failure to address vacancies criticized.
- Call for accountability in healthcare management.
Ranchi, Aug 5 (NationPress) The High Court of Jharkhand has summoned both the state Health Secretary and the Director of the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), the leading health institution in the state, to attend in person on Wednesday due to the alarming state of the hospital.
During a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) hearing on Tuesday, a division bench led by Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar expressed serious concern, instructing both officials to present themselves on August 6 and furnish a comprehensive explanation.
The PIL underscored persistent vacancies in vital roles—doctors, faculty, technical staff, and Group D personnel—as well as a significant deficiency in critical medical equipment.
The court criticized the state government's actions, questioning: “If critical appointments are not being made at a prestigious institution like RIMS, how can the health of ordinary citizens be ensured?”
Expressing dissatisfaction with the protracted delays in staff recruitment, the court was unimpressed by the explanation that despite regular funding for RIMS, the institution has been returning unused funds.
The court characterized this situation as a case of “policy negligence” and condemned the authorities for their administrative indifference.
The PIL was initiated by social worker Jyoti Sharma. Her attorney, advocate Deepak Dubey, informed the court that numerous essential positions remain unfilled across the dental college, nursing college, and paramedical department of RIMS.
In the dental college alone, there are 37 vacant positions for professors, 9 for additional professors, 56 for associate professors, and 43 for assistant professors. The nursing college is short of 144 Group-C nursing staff, 44 paramedical personnel, and 418 Group-D employees.
The court also criticized doctors who receive a non-practicing allowance while allegedly continuing to engage in private practice, contrary to service regulations.
Reports indicate that several doctors operate private clinics while receiving this allowance, and some even have fixed hours at hospitals yet maintain outside practices.
Taking this matter seriously, the court has instructed the RIMS Director to present a complete report of biometric attendance records for all such doctors at the next hearing.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize that the ongoing issues within RIMS reflect a deeper systemic failure in healthcare governance. The summons by the Jharkhand High Court serves as a wake-up call for authorities to prioritize patient care and ensure that public health resources are managed effectively. Our commitment remains with the nation, advocating for transparency and accountability.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Jharkhand HC to summon health officials?
The court summoned the health officials due to alarming conditions at RIMS, including staffing shortages and lack of essential medical equipment.
Who filed the Public Interest Litigation?
The PIL was filed by social worker Jyoti Sharma, highlighting critical vacancies at RIMS.
What is the significance of the court's action?
The court's action underscores the need for accountability in healthcare management and the urgent need to address persistent vacancies.
What are the staffing issues at RIMS?
RIMS faces significant vacancies, including 37 professor positions in the dental college and 144 nursing staff shortages.
What will happen next in this case?
The RIMS Director is required to submit a report on biometrics for doctors engaged in private practice at the next hearing.
