The changing face of RIMS: A ray of hope for the common public
- Imphal Times Editorial :: February 08 2020 -

The world over, the impending threat of the Novel Coronavirus has been occupying the minds and hearts with unconfirmed reports of the actual number of casualties- both the death and the infected being way more than has been officially declared.

The unfortunate event once again shone light on the critical importance of continuously improving and maintaining the public healthcare system as to keep the preparedness of the medical practitioners at the highest level to contain and combat any medical outbreaks or emergencies.

More than the actual damage done by the virus to the human body, what terrifies the people of the world over is the grim fact that there is no effective and proven treatment procedure in place since the virus is a totally new strain.

Experts and researchers around the world are still scrambling to bring out a standard treatment procedure as well as an effective antidote, but it will take time.

Amidst such a grim backdrop, a new ray of hope is emerging in our very state in the form of a perceptibly re-energised Regional Institute of Medical Science (RIMS).

After what seemed to be an eternity of uncertainty and snowballing scandals involving the administration, there is an unmistakeable sign that the current administration is taking the task of improving the overall efficiency and management of the hospital with utmost seriousness.

The brisk activities around the campus carrying out constructions and repairing of various facilities is a much needed and welcome change for the common people who cannot afford the exorbitant fees of the swanky private hospitals mushrooming around the state capital.

Application of technological advancements for improved patient service is another major improvement being enjoyed by the public in the form of Online Registration System, Digital Payment as well as Electronic Display units etc.

The Out Patient Department has also seen a lot of improvements from hygiene to ticketing to patient interaction.

Perhaps the most heartening development effected by the present administration is the availability of testing facility of Influenza (H1N1 or Swine Flu) and seasonal H3N2 free of cost for the deserving and needy patients of the state, along with other facilities at the State Level Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory at the Department of Microbiology, RIMS.

The positive turnaround has garnered much appreciative opinions with even a large number of posts at various social media expressing gratitude for the improved experience.

The unfolding positive developments once again underline the possibilities that can be realised when a determined and progressive-minded leader is at the helm of affairs.

The motivated attitude of the staffs speaks volumes about the leader, the administration and the management working in sync and understanding which has a reassuring and calming effect on the patients.

One can only hope that the good run continues and that the future leaders of the institute can only improve further on the overall development of the Institute.

There is however still a sore point which needs to be addressed- the traffic arrangement inside the campus.

Perhaps a dedicated emergency corridor would ease the present situation to some extent even though parking space is at a premium and is bound to grow troublesome in the near future if something is not done in time.

The public transport parking right outside the campus is another point that needs to be addressed, given the evident lack of civic sense by the drivers.

Being an important entity at the forefront of public services, the media should also take periodic stock of the functioning of the institute and highlight the developments as well as the shortcomings so that the general public can be informed about the various facilities available at the premier medical institute of the North East region.