SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, April 22: The doctors’ fraternity in Jharkhand has expressed disappointment over the silence of medical bodies regarding the sudden dismissal of Dr. Rajkumar, the director of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, by the state government.
Senior doctors from Ranchi, Dhanbad, Jamshedpur, Deoghar, and Dumka have raised concerns over the lack of response from the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Jharkhand State Health Services Association (JSHSA), and various medical teacher bodies.
“It’s unfortunate that all these organizations have remained silent on the dismissal of Dr. Rajkumar,” said senior doctors. “If this is allowed to go unchecked, tomorrow, principals of other medical colleges, directors in charge of health, or civil surgeons might face similar treatment.”
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Doctors Demand Proper Procedure for Suspension or Inquiry
Dr. Rajkumar was dismissed on April 17 by the RIMS Governing Council in an unexpected move. While the medical community understands that suspensions or removals can occur, they insist that such actions must follow due process, including clear criteria for suspension or a formal inquiry.
“We would have no objection if proper procedures for suspension or investigation were followed. The issue here is the arbitrary nature of the action,” said a group of senior doctors.
Medical Bodies Pass the Buck on Responsibility
When approached for comment, office bearers of the IMA Jharkhand stated that they would take action only after the IMA Ranchi chapter formally initiates a move. Dr. Pankaj Bodra, General Secretary of IMA Ranchi chapter, and Dr. Vikash Kumar, Joint Secretary, both from RIMS, could not be reached for comment on their chapter’s silence regarding the issue.
JSHSA Distances Itself from RIMS Controversy
The Jharkhand State Health Services Association (JSHSA), representing state government doctors, distanced itself from the controversy surrounding the dismissal. Neither the JSHSA Ranchi unit nor the state unit has issued any statement in response to the issue.
A JSHSA office-bearer remarked, “Teachers at RIMS consider themselves separate from us and have their own association. Therefore, we will not comment on matters concerning RIMS.”
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RIMS Teachers’ Body Chooses Silence
The RIMS Teachers Association, led by President Dr. Prabhat Kumar, has also refrained from commenting on the dismissal. Dr. Kumar, who is also an active IMA member, stated that the matter is currently sub judice, as Dr. Rajkumar has challenged his dismissal in court.
“Moreover, we have no information about the terms and conditions of Dr. Rajkumar’s appointment by the government, so it’s difficult to comment without full details,” Dr. Kumar added.
Historical Precedent of Govt Withdrawal
A senior doctor pointed out that if medicos protest strongly, the government might be forced to retract its decision.
A similar incident occurred in 2008 when the then Health Minister Bhanu Pratap Shahi sacked 18 doctors from Ranchi Sadar Hospital. The IMA and other medical bodies strongly opposed the decision, and the minister was eventually compelled to withdraw the order.
