Jharkhand Health Minister accuses RIMS director of Rule Violations, Hints at inquiry

Ranchi: Following the Jharkhand High Court's order for the reinstatement of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) director Dr Raj Kumar, he resumed his duties on Tuesday and cleared the pending promotions of doctors and the long-pending purchase of an MRI machine. However the next day, Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari accused him of promoting junior doctors while ignoring their seniors. 

Ansari claimed that the senior doctors who were overlooked for promotion have threatened to go on strike, alleging that the promotions were processed in violation of the rules. He alleged that Kumar did not consult the health department before taking a call on the promotions and promoted the juniors over their seniors, going against the norms. 

Regarding this, the medical fraternity has expressed disappointment at the promotion and is protesting against the decision taken by Kumar. A departmental inquiry is reported to be initiated soon against the director.

Also read- Jharkhand HC stays Government's order to remove RIMS Director

Medical Dialogues recently reported that the Jharkhand High Court stayed the state government's order removing Dr Raj Kumar as the Director of the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, with immediate effect. The court observed that how Dr Raj Kumar was removed was legally untenable, stating that a stigmatic order could not be issued without following due process.

This comes after Dr Raj Kumar, within a few months of being appointed as the Director of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, was removed from his position on the grounds of negligence in fulfilling his duties, delay in departmental work, and failure to follow government instructions. The decision was taken by the governing council of the institute, which recommended his removal to the state health department. 

Dr Raj Kumar, who earlier worked as a neurosurgery professor at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, was appointed as the RIMS Director on January 31, 2024, for a three-year term. However, the institute observed that he often deliberately ignored official orders and did not cooperate in carrying out important tasks, which led to pending departmental work. This was continuing for days since he was appointed. 

However, he rejoined the hospital on Tuesday and cleared the pending departmental work. But his decision to promote the juniors drew backlash from the medical community and the Health Minister himself. 

Speaking to TOI, Ansari said, "The medical fraternity is protesting the promotions. Junior doctors were promoted while the seniors were overlooked. Senior doctors are likely to go on strike after this," Ansari said. Meanwhile, Health Secretary Ajoy Kumar Singh said, "Action will be taken."

Ansari also criticised Dr Kumar for delaying the purchase of the MRI machine, stating that the state cabinet had approved the procurement nine months ago. He suggested that a departmental inquiry could be launched against the director.

"Doctors have told us that promotions were done in violation of the rules. They will go on strike. The decisions taken against protocol are not valid until ratified in the governing council (GB) meeting, " said Ansari.

Also read- RIMS Director removed after Governing Body order