Imphal: Medical services at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), one of Manipur’s premier hospitals, came to a halt on Sunday after a doctor was assaulted and hospital property vandalised following the death of a woman patient.
The 35-year-old woman, who had undergone a surgical delivery, died due to complications, sparking allegations of medical negligence from her family.
Relatives, joined later by a large group from her neighbourhood, staged protests inside the hospital premises, where they damaged property and attacked a senior consultant.
Condemning the violence, the Teachers and Medical Officers Association (TAMOA) announced an indefinite suspension of all services, including the outpatients’ department (OPD), emergency care and routine operations, until those responsible for the assault are arrested.
The association clarified, however, that patients already admitted will continue receiving treatment.
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In a statement, RIMS authorities expressed condolences to the bereaved family and assured that the case would be reviewed thoroughly to address their grievances.
The hospital also warned that acts of vandalism and violence against medical professionals were unlawful, disrupt essential healthcare, and could invite legal consequences.
TAMOA, while denouncing what it termed “false allegations” of negligence, demanded action against the culprits and called for a safe working environment for doctors and medical staff.
