RIMS Ranchi plans to increase PG medical seats from 176 to 256, Super speciality from 11 to 150 seats

Ranchi: To boost medical education in the institute, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, plans to set up 10 new medical departments at an estimated cost of Rs 466 crore and increase its postgraduate (PG) and super-speciality seats.

The proposed departments include Medical Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Clinical Haematology, Cardiac Anaesthesia, Neuro Anaesthesia, Emergency Medicine, Medical Genetics, Nuclear Medicine and Hospital Administration.

These proposals were discussed at the institute’s 66th Governing Council meeting, chaired by Jharkhand Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari on Thursday. The council considered 16 agenda items related to institutional development, medical education, staffing, equipment, financial management and security.

The council also decided to pursue an increase in PG seats from the existing 176 to 256 and super-speciality seats from 11 to 150. The proposals will be sent to the relevant authorities for consideration.

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The meeting was attended by Health Minister Irfan Ansari, Additional Chief Secretary Ajoy Kumar Singh, Special Secretary Dr Neha Arora, Additional Secretary Shashi Prakash Singh, RIMS Director Dr D.K. Sinha, Additional Director Waghmare Prasad Krishna and other officials.

Currently, RIMS has 250 MBBS seats, according to the figures presented at the meeting. The additional seats have not yet been confirmed as approved.

As per latest Prabhatkhabar report, the council reviewed the institute's staffing structure, including plans to increase faculty positions from 319 to 335 in line with prescribed norms.

It also discussed reducing sanctioned non-teaching posts from 1,962 to 1,862, a proposed cut of 100 positions. At the same time, RIMS ranchi will pursue the creation of 106 nursing posts and the appointment of 12 hospital managers to address staffing and hospital management needs.

The institute has also been asked to recruit 100 Ayushman Mitras to help patients access benefits under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and the Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

Ansari directed officials to publish the recruitment advertisement for the Ayushman Mitra posts within 15 days.

Health Minister Irfan Ansari said the initiative was intended to strengthen the institute’s capacity in treating serious and complex illnesses, medical education and research.

The council discussed several measures to improve patient care and hospital facilities at RIMS. These include ensuring the availability of more than 200 ventilators and expanding ultrasound, echocardiography and X-ray services. The institute also plans to increase the availability of modern medical equipment and develop a modern burn ward.

The meeting also focused on repairing lifts and restoring their services to improve access within the hospital. In addition, the council discussed arranging a moksha vehicle to assist families in need. The report did not specify a timeline for implementing these measures or a separate budget for each of them.

Meanwhile, the meeting also discussed constructing hostels for postgraduate students and senior residents under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. An estimate will be prepared, followed by the process of submitting a proposal to the Government of India. Officials also sought details on the utilisation of Rs 240 crore previously available to RIMS, according to the report.

To improve RIMS's financial management, recruitment, promotion, academic activities, procurement processes, security, and grievance redressal, a decision was made to increase the number of standing committees from five to ten.

Ajay Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, stated that it is essential to make RIMS a strong foundation of Jharkhand's health system. By better utilizing the institute's available expertise and resources, treatment can be provided to critical patients. He also stressed the need to address complaints related to security and hospital management.

Meanwhile, a letter of intent (LOI) was issued prior to the meeting of the governing body of RIMS to establish a medical college in Jamtara district on a PPP model.

Directing officials to take timely action on the pending projects, Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari said, "It is essential to provide modern equipment, specialist doctors, and adequate nursing staff at RIMS. Patients should receive quality treatment with respect. Improving health services will come not through mere announcements, but through practical action. The government is committed to equipping RIMS with modern medical facilities and establishing a better reputation for itself."

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