Ranchi- The Jharkhand High Court has instructed the state government and RIMS, Ranchi, to initiate recruitment for vacant positions of doctors and medical staff within a month.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar gave the order while hearing a PIL concerning severe staff shortages and equipment deficiencies at RIMS.
The matter was heard for the second day in a row. On Tuesday, the Health Secretary and RIMS Director were summoned and appeared before the court on Wednesday.
The court questioned the Health Secretary over the underutilization of government-released funds and the lack of accountability mechanisms. The Secretary responded that RIMS functions as an autonomous institution and decisions on fund usage rest with the steering committee.
RIMS Director Dr Raj Kumar was asked to submit a detailed affidavit explaining the total funds received, medical equipment bought, any unutilized funds returned, and the delay in acquiring vital equipment such as MRI machines. He must comply by Thursday.
The court also addressed allegations of doctors claiming non-practising allowance while still engaging in private practice. It demanded biometric attendance data and an update on corrective measures.
The PIL, filed by Jyoti Sharma, brought to light the unavailability of doctors and essential medical tools at RIMS, endangering quality healthcare delivery.
With inputs from IANS