The surprise visit of Chief Minister Raghubar Das at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) on December 29 has apparently failed to set the ball rolling at the premier health institution of the State.
Except for adopting Clean India Drive as an instruction from the CM, the situation of the patients and facilities for them remains the same. Das had visited through the orthopedics, neuro-surgery and emergency wards as well as around the premises and parks of the state-run medical institution during night hours on the date he was sworn-in as CM. However the filthy atmosphere and patients found lying on the floor due to unavailability of beds on Friday tells tale. Irregular supply of food and medicines to the economically-weak patients was another problem he had noticed.
Notably, when this correspondent went across the ‘CM inspected areas’ on Friday most of the patients and their attendants came forward to share their woes. Salima Khatoon, a resident of lohardaga district was admitted here with her fractured right leg in the Ortho-ward on Tuesday. Since then, her daughter is compelled to argue with sisters for the free medicines. “I belong to a poor family. So, I have the right to avail medical benefits at free of cost. But, sisters have given us a list of medicines for purchasing from the chemist shops. They are not providing us medicines. My daughter has to beg and argue for medicines,” Khatoon said.
Similarly, Baikuntho suffering from a fractured leg is admitted here for past one month. His wife Savita Rajat said he is often devoid from lunch. “We are a Below Poverty line (BPl) family from Purulia. Doctors and Sisters are not providing timely medicines and meals. They charged Rs 100 for his post-operation X-Ray. Is it justifiedIJ,” Rajat asked. Some beds in this ward were seen supported by bricks. Attendants said a machine used for bone-problem identification is not working and the authorities are assuring to repair it every-day. “Five days ago, the department Head Professor Manjhi informed CR Machine used for my mother’s problem detection is damaged. I approached the Director-in-Charge Dr Sahu but no action was taken. Now, Dr Manjhi has suggested me to take my mother to another hospital,” a young boy said.
However, the situation at Neuro-Surgery ward has improved. Kanke legislator Dr Jitu Charan Ram who along with Ranchi legislator CP Singh accompanied Das, said Ortho and Neuro wards were seen neglected. “RIMS Director SK Choudhary is directed to create new wards immediately as patients were seen lying on floor due to bed-crisis. Maintaining cleanliness and providing timely medicines and food has also been directed,” Ram said. Meanwhile, Choudhary was unable to give details on the solutions. “We hope to follow all the instructions of CM in the coming days,” he said.