Ranchi hospital head warned for persistent absenteeism

A surprise inspection at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) revealed significant absenteeism among doctors in the Neurology Outpatient Department (OPD). RIMS Director Dr. Rajkumar found the OPD unmanned during his visit and saw patients waiting in long lines for care. Dr. Surendra Kumar, the head of the Neurology department, was missing from the OPD despite being scheduled to attend. When questioned by Dr. Rajkumar, he did not provide a satisfactory explanation. As a result, the director issued a stern warning, stating that Dr. Kumar should focus on his private practice if absenteeism continues. The inspection also uncovered broader problems within the Neurology OPD, with both doctors absent. One doctor was attending to patients in the Indoor Patient Department (IPD), leaving many patients unattended. A critical case involving a child suspected of having autoimmune encephalitis had to be handled without a senior neurologist, prompting Dr. Rajkumar to step in personally. Dr. Rajeev Ranjan, the Public Relations Officer at RIMS, noted that this was not the first complaint regarding Dr. Kumar's absence. Dr. Kumar explained that he was unavailable during the inspection due to an emergency call related to his family. RIMS doctors receive a Non Practice Allowance and are typically restricted from private practice according to the institution's regulations. The administration plans to enforce stricter policies to improve accountability among medical staff. Dr. Rajkumar emphasized the importance of these measures in maintaining RIMS's commitment to timely and reliable medical care for patients.