Jharkhand Announces RIMS-2 Renaming to Honor Shibu Soren and Launch a Health Revolution

In a major development, Jharkhand’s Health Minister, Dr. Irfan Ansari, announced that the upcoming RIMS-2 hospital in Ranchi will be renamed as the ‘Shibu Soren Institute of Medical Sciences’ (SSIMS). The decision, announced during a press conference at the Jharkhand Assembly, recognizes the contributions of Shibu Soren, a former Chief Minister and a champion of the marginalized. The minister highlighted that the hospital, to be located in Nagri Mouza, will be the largest in Asia. The establishment aims to honor Soren’s legacy and his work for the tribal, Dalit, poor, and farmer communities. The SSIMS is envisioned as a healthcare hub for Eastern India, initiating a new era in health services. The institute will feature advanced healthcare facilities, including super-specialty wards and modern research centers, with a focus on providing free and affordable medical care to the underprivileged. This initiative aims to ensure that no patient is denied treatment due to financial constraints, while also creating extensive employment and training opportunities in the medical field for the youth of Jharkhand. The minister stated that the institute will herald a ‘health revolution’ in the state, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare to all citizens. The project, originally proposed to be built on over 200 acres of land in Nagri Mouza, had faced controversies as the construction commenced. Former Chief Minister Champai Soren was placed under house arrest on August 24 before announcing a ‘Hal Joto-Ropa Ropo’ movement in support of farmers. The renaming announcement came amidst ongoing debates on the RIMS-2 land issue during the monsoon session of the Jharkhand Assembly.