SUK decries denial of treatment by hospitals
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 09 2020:
The Students' Union of Kangleipak (SUK) has strongly condemned the incident that led to the death of a young pregnant woman along with her unborn child after she was denied treatment by as many as five hospitals in Imphal.
SUK, while demanding the enquiry committee constituted in connection with the incident to come up with a report at the earliest and reveal it to the people, has also demanded strict actions.
A statement of SUK issued by its women welfare secretary Sanuka Nameirakpam said that doctors, nurses and other staff working at Government and private hospitals should continue with their service with sincerity and stop making excuses during these difficult times.
"Emergency cases should be attended to at all costs.
Many deaths have been reported in emergency cases after the patients were denied treatment by hospitals.
SUK will no longer remain a mute spectator if such unethical activities continue".
SUK further said professions like doctor and nurse are honorable jobs and people in these professions should serve the people with dignity and selflessly.
"Stop making the honorable profession look like a job meant for earning money only.
Some people in these professions have been running away from their duty for fear of COVID-19 infection thereby letting down the entire medical fraternity who are working in the frontline without any fear or remorse," SUK said.
"Private hospitals also should act responsibly and stop acting like they are only there to make money.
Hospitals, which cannot provide service to the people, without a valid reason, during this critical time, should be closed down permanently".
On the other hand, people should stop discriminating against doctors, nurses and other medical staff when they return home from duty.
"Show them the respect they deserve and encourage them during this time of pandemic.
Local clubs and associations should take up the initiative to encourage people on medical duty in their own localities," SUK said.
The Health Department's order dated August 6 instructed private/Government hospitals to remain open with a directive to treat every emergency case.
The Government has also announced that Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) kits will be provided to every hospital.
"These are welcome steps though a little late.
If these were done a little earlier, the unfortunate incidents that we are hearing today could have been avoided," it added.
SUK also appealed to the people to maintain social distancing norms (6 feet), wear masks and wash hands frequently and use sanitizers.