Imphal: Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) has become a conflict complex following frequent death of patients allegedly due to doctors negligence, with yet another public outrage sparked over the death of a woman in delivery case on Sunday.
The relationship between patient and family with doctors seemed to have been broken when an irate mob assaulted a doctor, Ch. Pritamkumar Singh alleging him of negligence leading to the death a 35 years old woman, Chingshubam ongbi Manju of Lilong Chajing, Imphal West, after caesarean child birth.
The death incident came after the death of one 50 years old Yambem Sanjoy of Bamon Kampu Mayai Leikai, Imphal East, on Saturday, shortly after re-admitted to RIMS. His family members alleged the patient died due to negligence and lack of timely medical attention. He should not have been discharged without proper monitoring, especially when medical test results are pending, they alleged.
Dr. Pritamkumar was admitted at trauma intensive care unit at Regional Institute of Medical Science (RIMS), Imphal. Teachers association of the hospital shutdown all health services with immediate effect till the culprits are booked.
Family members alleged that the incident occurred due to negligence of Dr. Pritamkumar who is a professor in the medical institution, the only government hospital in Manipur under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Officials said soon after the news spread, relatives and locals of the deceased family gathered at the hospital premises. They alleged that the cause of death is due to medical negligence. Soon after the protestors demanded for accountability and thorough investigation of untimely death of Manju.
Irate mob vandalised hospital properties and office of the medical superintendent of the hospital. The mob allegedly assaulted the doctor who was reportedly hiding in a toilet of the hospital.
Soon after a team of Lamphel police along with the hospital private security personnel intervened and rescued the doctor in unconscious condition later, admitted at trauma ICU of the hospital.
“Dr. Pritamkumar has been admitted at trauma ICU, but he is out of danger,” a doctor told reporters.
Tension remained in the hospital between the family members, locals of the deceased family and medical students. The situation has been controlled and prevented from being escalation, said police.
Teachers’ and Medical Officers’ Association, RIMS in a statement issued on Sunday expressed strong condemnation over “false allegation and violent assault on a senior and the most scincere duty abiding consultant of RIMS”.
The association announced for shutdown of all services of RIMS (OPD, emergency, routine OT and PME) with immediate effect till the culprits are booked, punished and safe working environment is ensured. However, patients already admitted in RIMS will continue to be given due care and attention.
It demanded to the RIMS authority to lodge an FIR against the involved culprits and to take legal actions, assuring of safety for healthcare providers in the RIMS complex.
“Normal duty will be resumed only when the working environment become safe and conducive,”said the statement.
RIMS authority in a separate statement issued by its media cell mourns the untimely demise of Manju following complications after a surgical delivery. As the incident triggered widespread outrage among the relatives and locals, who staged protest allegedly assaulted a professor of the hospital along with properties of the hospital were vandalised.
“The RIMS authority strongly condemns the assault on the RIMS professor and the vandalism of hospital property, which are serious offences against both individuals and public institutions. The hospital authority assures that the matter will be reviewed with utmost seriousness, and necessary steps will be taken to ascertain facts and address grievances in a lawful manner. At the same time, it is appealed to all sections of society to maintain peace, respect public institutions, and extend cooperation in resolving the matter through appropriate legal and administrative channels.”
Among others, the cause of death of one Gotimayum Ongbi Ranibala, 36, of Wangkhei Yumlembam Leikai during delivery on September 17 was also alleged of the hospital’s negligence. There was public storm at RIMS.
