RIMS Ranchi struggles with shortage of staff
Ranchi: The Rajendra Institute of
Medical Science (RIMS), a key medical institution in Jharkhand that serves
approximately 2,500 patients daily, is grappling with severe staffing issues,
Dr Ram Kumar, the hospital’s director, revealed on Friday. During a press conference,
Dr Kumar highlighted the critical shortfall in manpower, noting that the
current staff strength is far below the required levels.
Dr Ram Kumar assumed
the charge as the Director of the institute four months ago. As per a recent
media report by the Times of India, Dr Kumar explained that out of a sanctioned
strength of 596 Group D employees, only 94 are presently employed, indicating a
significant gap in essential support staff. “There are no administrative, accounts, and vigilance officers. RIMS is running its administration with the help of
doctors like the medical superintendent, who is a paediatric surgeon. We need
two deputy medical superintendents and an additional medical superintendent on
deputation,” he added.
Dr Kumar has been in
continuous dialogue with the state’s health minister, Banna Gupta, and senior
officials to address the crisis. She had multiple discussions with the health
minister and other top bureaucrats, bringing the dire situation at RIMS to
their attention. In addition to his appeals for more staff, Dr Kumar mentioned
that the next meeting of the RIMS governing body is scheduled for July 9.
This
will be the first meeting since March 2023, and it is set to discuss around 35
proposals aimed at addressing various issues faced by the institution, reports
the Daily. These proposals will cover topics ranging from staff recruitment to
the improvement of hospital infrastructure and services.
The staff shortage at
RIMS is not only a burden on the existing workforce but also poses a risk to
patient care quality. With only a fraction of the required personnel, the
hospital struggles to manage the influx of patients, which often leads to
longer wait times and potentially compromised care.
Hospital
Improvements and New Initiatives
Dr Ram Kumar, Director
of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), has reported that there are
148 encroachments on the hospital premises, including unauthorized temple
constructions. Efforts are underway to reinforce the hospital’s green corridor,
ensuring a more efficient route for emergency patients.
A new subway is being
planned to facilitate pedestrian movement towards Kokar, while the existing
road will be reserved exclusively for RIMS use. The Jharkhand Building
Corporation has conducted multiple inspections of older buildings on campus to
assess and plan renovations.
The basement’s blocked drainage system, which has
caused waterlogging issues, is also being addressed. Approval has been granted
to establish a new outpatient department in a proposed block, with the tender
process expected to begin soon.
A central lab will be constructed to streamline
medical diagnostics for patients. The state administration has sanctioned the
establishment of a police picket on the hospital grounds to enhance security. These
initiatives are part of a broader effort to upgrade RIMS and provide better
healthcare services to the community.
