Dr Shashibala Singh appointed interim director of Rims

Ranchi: Dr Shashibala Singh has been appointed as the interim director of the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims) following the abrupt removal of Dr Raj Kumar on Thursday by the institute's governing council. The official notification of Dr Singh's appointment was issued on Friday by the authorities.

The removal of Dr Kumar came after serious allegations of non-compliance and unsatisfactory performance.

Health minister Irfan Ansari, who also serves as the chairman of the Rims governing council, issued the removal order.

According to the order, Dr Kumar failed to act in the public interest and disregarded instructions from the council of ministers of the govt, the Rims governing council, and the health department. His performance was deemed inadequate in meeting the institutional goals established by the RIMS Act, of 2002. Under Rule 9 (vi) of the Rims Rules, 2002, he was relieved from his duties with immediate effect with provision for three months' salary. Dr Kumar was appointed for a three-year term on January 31, 2024, with the approval of the state govt.

Rims officials said Dr Kumar repeatedly ignored ministerial directives, particularly regarding doctor promotions, where he allegedly favoured selected individuals despite instructions to the contrary. Sources also indicated that he had confronted the additional chief secretary during a governing council meeting.

Defending himself, Dr Kumar said, "This is a clear misuse of power. These allegations are meant to defame me. I challenge anyone to prove that I brought disrepute to the govt – if proven, I will leave the country. This is a pattern where those who expose the truth are targeted. Such autocratic behaviour cannot be tolerated."