The newly-appointed director of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Dr Kameshwar Prasad faces a challenge of filling up nearly 100 vacancies of professors in Jharkhand’s largest state-run medical college.

Prasad, a Padmashree, has been busy reviewing various departments of the medical college since taking charge as director on Sunday. On Thursday he said his top priority was to fill vacant posts of professors in the college and ensure that suitable candidates make it to RIMS.

Talking to The Telegraph Online, Prasad admitted there was a vacancy of 72 assistant professors, nine additional professors and 10 professors at RIMS. “We will first try and fill the vacancies for assistant professors, and then proceed with the recruitment process for other positions,” said the renowned neurologist, who was associated with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi for several years.

Newly-appointed RIMS director Dr Kameshwar Prasad taking charge from acting director Dr. Manju Gari In Ranchi earlier this week. Telegraph picture

Prasad has also decided to tighten the noose around doctors who indulge in private practice outside RIMS. However, he said that he did not believe in taking “coercive” steps in order to check private practice by doctors, and instead wanted the doctors to rely on their “conscience” to decide whether they wanted to dedicate their time and energy to RIMS or do private practice.

“You cannot always deal with a situation with an iron fist. I am sure that the ones who are practicing in private will realise their mistake and stop repeating it on their own,” he said.

Former RIMS director, Dr D.K. Singh is in the crosshairs of doctors for taking strict action against those who practiced privately. He even deducted salaries of staff members who could not mark their attendance through biometric system on time. A series of protests was held last year against the former director demanding his removal from the post.

The newly-appointed RIMS director said that he would review the condition of diagnostics equipment in the hospital soon and take necessary steps to ensure their smooth functioning in future.

Dr Prasad said he has asked doctors in clinical services to not get overburdened with administrative works and vice-versa. However, in case of an emergency, the ones in administrative duty may have to take clinical responsibilities, he added.

“I am in administrative duty right now. But once this Covid situation ends, I will also take up clinical responsibilities in the hospital,” said Dr Prasad.