To think that all the problems — inadequate number of nurses, lack of fourth grade staffs and several other resulting problems — at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) are limited to the wards would be naive. Arguably, the special ‘RIMS cottages’ fare no better.
RIMS cottage is a separate ward of 14 rooms, which offers patients non-AC rooms at Rs 150 per day and AC rooms at Rs 250. It has been the most sought-after destination for political leaders, especially when they land in jail.
However, several problems that have characterised the wards of RIMS until now, have of late gripped the RIMS cottage too. It is another thing that the problems get noticed in the wards but might not be so visible in RIMS cottage to the common eye — thanks to the natural settings that surround it.
A talk with the nurses working at the cottage brings issues to the fore. “According to general rules, one nurse has to take care of three patients. The cottage has 14 rooms, each room to accommodate one patient. Thus we need at least five nurses each shift. And in three shifts we need at least 15 nurses,” said one of the nurses.
Another chips in. “We are only six nurses. We have to either work extra or leave patients unattended,” she said. Another group of three nurses was quite furious with the RIMS administration.
They said there was only one sweeper to clean two floors and the rooms in the cottage, whereas at least two sweepers are required in two shifts.
Despite problem of inadequate staff, RIMS cottage appears better maintained and cleaned. The exit has an apparent distinction. The ward invariably represents typical “unclean & unhygienic”. Nurses explain how it is possible.
“The only sweeper works extremely hard between 6 am and 2 pm. Thanks to him, the cottage looks clean. But should we be deaf and dumb to the inhuman treatment meted out to workersIJ” she demands. Another nurse expressed displeasure not with the administration, but also the media. “We have communicated it to the director many times but who caresIJ No appointments have been made either of nursing staffs or of fourth grade staffs for RIMS cottage. The media has never highlighted our problems. They talk to us, show sympathy and promise us they will highlight it. But the very next moment they visit the director’s office and manage things with him,” alleged one of the nurses.
Before allowing this reporter to go, they said, “Write it if you can. We feel you won’t be able to, like other mediapersons, who disappear from sight.”