Dr DK Singh wishes to see off Covid-19 in State
Chief Minister Hemant Soren will take the final call on Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Director Dr. DK Singh's resignation plea, officials from the health department said on Wednesday. According to sources in the department, Singh addressed a letter to Health Minister Banna Gupta on April 12 asking him to relieve him from his duties here, so he can join as the Director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhathinda, Punjab.
“I got an offer from AIIMS, Bhathinda on March 12, and I had to confirm my joining by April 12. Therefore, I wrote the letter to the Government seeking the approval of the concerned authorities,” Singh told The Pioneer on Wednesday.
Health Minister Banna Gupta on Wednesday forwarded Singh's letter to Chief Minister Hemant Soren for the latter to take a final decision. Meanwhile, rumours were rife that Gupta has approved Singh's resignation. However, Gupta clarified that only the CM can take a decision in this regard and the former has only forwarded the letter to him.
"The (Health) Minister has only forwarded the letter to the CM as per the protocol. This does not mean that the resignation has been accepted," said a close aide of Gupta. He requested not to be named.
The developments come at a time when Jharkhand is battling a global pandemic. The number of cases here has been on the rise, and in such a situation, the role of RIMS –the largest Government-run hospital in State– is pivotal. RIMS has conducted the highest number of COVID-19 tests in Jharkhand so far. Besides, Ranchi alone accounts for nearly 70 per cent of the Coronavirus cases in the State.
Singh, however, said that he has volunteered to remain the Director of RIMS until the COVID-19 pandemic subsides. "I don't wish to run away from the situation. I want to work here until we fight off this pandemic. However, the senior authorities have to decide if they want me to stay or leave," he said.
Singh took charge as RIMS Director in November 2018. Prior to joining RIMS, he worked as a Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
Since joining RIMS, Singh has found himself in the crosshairs of many doctors, who apparently were not happy with his strict approach.
