THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Ranchi, August 5: The Jharkhand High Court has taken a stern view on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) highlighting years-long vacancies and the lack of essential diagnostic equipment at the state’s premier referral hospital, RIMS.
During a hearing before the division bench of Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar, the court questioned the state government as to why appointments for vacant posts of doctors, principals, professors, paramedical staff, and Class-IV employees have not been made for years.
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The state failed to provide a satisfactory response, prompting the court to express displeasure and summon the Health Secretary of Jharkhand and the Director of RIMS to appear in person on August 6 (Wednesday) to clarify the situation.
The government informed the court that funds are regularly allocated to RIMS, but the hospital administration has been returning these funds. The PIL was filed by petitioner Jyoti Sharma.
Court Cracks Down on Private Practice
The bench also raised concerns about RIMS doctors engaging in private practice despite availing benefits as “non-practitioners.” The court was informed that some doctors even make announcements and then practice outside.
Taking note of this, the court directed the RIMS Director to submit biometric attendance reports of all such doctors before the court.
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Vacancy Details Presented in Court
Advocate Deepak Dubey, appearing for the petitioner, informed the court that several key positions have remained vacant for a long time with no recruitment process initiated.
In the Dental College, there are 37 vacant posts of professors, nine of additional professors, 56 of associate professors, and 43 of assistant professors, along with posts of principal and other senior faculty positions.
In the Nursing College, positions of principal, 144 nursing staff (Group C), 44 paramedical staff, and 418 Group D employees are also lying vacant.