Jharkhand Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari has adopted a stringent approach following a distressing incident where a needy patient was allegedly referred from AIIMS Deoghar to RIMS Ranchi without proper treatment. The minister has conveyed a clear directive against any compromise in patient care at the institution.
According to a press release issued on Saturday, the Health Minister received a tearful plea from a woman in Basanli village, Deoghar, regarding her husband’s deteriorating health. Dr. Ansari immediately altered his itinerary to visit the village. There, he personally examined the patient, confirmed the critical medical situation, and investigated the circumstances leading to the referral.
The investigation revealed that the patient, belonging to a poor tribal family, had initially been directed to AIIMS Deoghar. However, the family reported that they were sent to RIMS without receiving any medical intervention at the Deoghar facility. This lack of treatment at AIIMS Deoghar prompted strong criticism from the Health Minister.
Dr. Ansari voiced his concern over the repeated referrals of vulnerable patients, questioning the very purpose of AIIMS if it cannot provide initial care. He insisted that any constraints in services or equipment should be openly declared. The minister asserted that he would personally visit AIIMS Deoghar to discuss the matter with its administration and ensure accountability.
Promptly addressing the emergency, Dr. Ansari facilitated the patient’s transfer to Ranchi via ambulance and provided financial support to the family to ease the burden of medical expenses. Comprehensive care arrangements have been established for the patient in Ranchi. The Health Minister affirmed that his visit to the village was part of his duty and reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing accessible and quality healthcare for all, especially the poor and marginalized.