Ranchi: Patients, attendants and staff at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims) have raised concerns over persistent infrastructure issues affecting one of the state’s largest govt-run healthcare facilities.From damaged floors and leaking roofs to rusted and broken stair railings, the hospital — serving hundreds of patients from across Jharkhand and neighbouring Bihar — faces multiple structural challenges.Concerns have been flagged across several wards, as well as in outpatient and inpatient departments, with both patients and staff highlighting the deteriorating condition of the institution.Ravi Kumar, an attendant from Bero in Ranchi, said, “Damaged floors in many parts of the building make it difficult to move patients on wheelchairs and stretchers.”Near the surgery department, stair railings have reportedly remained broken for over a year. A ward boy, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “In several areas, railings are rusted and hanging loose, posing risks to both patients and staff. Damaged flooring adds to the challenge, forcing us to carefully navigate undamaged patches while transporting patients for tests and back to wards.”Roshni Devi, a resident of Bhagalpur in Bihar, who has been staying at the hospital for over six weeks for her daughter’s lung ailment, said she constantly worries about safety.
“I fear my daughter might fall while using the stairs, as the railings are rusted and unusable,” she said.Professor Shio Priye, head of the anaesthesia department and estate officer at Rims, said steps are being taken to address the issues. He told TOI that the health department has floated a tender worth over Rs 200 crore through the Jharkhand State Building Construction Corporation Limited.“A contractor has been finalised, and renovation work has already begun in the outer areas of the hospital. Roofs and drains are being repaired ahead of the monsoon. Work on damaged floors will follow, and the entire project is expected to be completed within a few months, which should ease the difficulties faced by patients,” he said.
