RIMS Ranchi: Ailing and in need of urgent care

The recent ordeal faced by Mangal Munda, great-grandson of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda, casts a harsh spotlight on the sorry state of Jharkhand’s premier government hospital, RIMS, in Ranchi. Mangal Munda, a symbol of the legacy of Jharkhand’s revered leader, had to wait for 10 agonizing hours in an ambulance outside the emergency ward before being admitted. Shockingly, even this was possible only after former Chief Minister Arjun Munda and Chief Minister Hemant Soren intervened. Once admitted, the unavailability of medicines forced his family to purchase them from outside—an appalling failure for a hospital of such stature.

This incident is a glaring example of systemic neglect. If RIMS management cannot provide timely care to someone associated with Jharkhand’s most iconic figure despite direct intervention from top political leaders, what hope do ordinary citizens have? This question underscores the crumbling state of a facility that millions rely on for life-saving treatment.

The infrastructure and services at RIMS are riddled with issues. From the outpatient department (OPD) to inpatient care, patients face a lack of beds, inadequate staff, and delays in basic procedures. Despite massive public funds being allocated, there is little to show in terms of improvement. For patients traveling from remote and rural areas with the hope of affordable and effective care, this situation is both demoralizing and dangerous.

The judiciary has not remained silent. The Jharkhand High Court, in a scathing observation, questioned the very existence of the hospital, suggesting its closure if it cannot provide adequate care. Such a remark is a damning indictment of the state of healthcare in the capital and a wake-up call for all stakeholders.

At the heart of the problem lies poor management, lack of accountability, and insufficient resource allocation. Funds are mismanaged, leaving critical departments under-equipped and overburdened. This inefficiency impacts those who cannot afford private healthcare, pushing them into deeper despair.

RIMS is more than just a hospital; it is a reflection of Jharkhand’s commitment to its people. If this institution fails, it signals the failure of the state’s healthcare system as a whole. Immediate reforms are non-negotiable. From hiring adequate staff and ensuring the availability of medicines to modernizing infrastructure and enforcing accountability, RIMS needs a complete overhaul.

The incident involving Mangal Munda should not just evoke outrage; it should spur action. The people of Jharkhand deserve better, and RIMS must rise to meet that expectation. Without significant intervention, the dream of accessible and quality healthcare will remain an unfulfilled promise.