Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, October 20:
Protesting against various forms of pressures being exerted on medical professionals in the state from various quarters, hundreds of doctors staged a silent march and held a dharna in Imphal city today.
With most doctors at JN hospital and RIMS hospital participating in the protest, out-patient services at both hospitals were disrupted.
Emergency casualty wards were however manned.
The rally was organized under the aegis of the recently formed Confederation of Doctors of Manipur, comprised of the Indian Medical association, Manipur state branch, Teachers� association, RIMS, Junior Doctors and Teachers Association, RIMS, All Manipur Medical Officers Association, and Indian Dental Association, Manipur branch.
Nearly four hundred doctors, dental surgeons and medical students participated in the protest.
The protestors gathered at the Indian Medical Association office at the RIMS complex at around 10.30 am and marched in a silent procession through the Uripok Canteen road and the Uripok road until they reached Uripok Chakrikom Brahmapur, where they staged a dharna opposite the Cheirap Court complex till 3 pm in the afternoon.
Banners and festoons carried by the marching protestors read: �Let doctors work peacefully and undeterred�, �No more physical and mental harassment of doctors�, �Do not disturb the system and smooth functioning of the hospitals�, �Do not bring matters related to health and welfare of patients�, �We demand healthy and peaceful atmosphere in the hospital campus,, among others.
Participants in the protests told mediapersons that nearly all doctors of Manipur, including those practicing in private clinics or at home, were taking part in the rally and dharna.