Over 300 security guards and 70 trolley-men lending their services at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) went on indefinite strike from Monday. The security guards of Everest Human Resource Solutions and the trolley-men are against the RIMS Administrative wing’s decision of replacing them with the retired Army personnel.
Notably, after rounds of complaints and appalling incidents, the Governing Body of the Medical College and Hospital had decided to give the charge of security of the entire hospital in the hands of retired army personnel. Several incidents recorded in the past against the security personnel had brought a bad name for the institution.
In accordance to the decision, the new security arrangement will be made effective from March 1. RIMS, in consultation with Ex-Army Welfare Association, has given the charge of hospital’s security to the retired armymen, who had volunteered for it.
“We have been working at the hospital for past 10 years. Now, instead of regularising the service, the hospital management has decided to replace us, which will not be tolerated in any circumstance. If the management fails to recognise our contribution in the coming days, the protest will be intensified,” said a protesting security guard.
“A letter was written to the Director, RIMS about the strike. Also, a copy of the letter has been made available to the senior officers of RIMS. There is also talk of opposing management’s decision by putting a black badge at the association’s meeting to be held soon. The guards have also sought the help of senior officials of Department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare and have appealed to Chief Minister Raghubar Das to intervene on this matter,” the protesting guard added.
RIMS Director, Dr. DK Singh said, “The management has nothing against the security guards. The RIMS Administrative Wing has taken the decision as per the suggestion of the Governing Body. By far, no representative of the protesting group has consulted the senior authorities with the list of demands and we are adamant over the decision.”
On February 17, a meeting of security guards was held on the premises of RIMS to constitute RIMS Trained Security Association. Apart from this, 29 members executive committee was also formed to look into the essential matters. On the first day of protest, the patients’ family members suffered the most as there was no assistance and prior arrangements from RIMS Administrative side while only four guards was deputed at the emergency section.