Strengthening Emergency Medicine in Manipur
- Shija Hospitals leads the way -

Dr Sweta Khuraijam / Dr Azhar Kamal Ansari *

Shija Hospitals and Research Institute (SHRI), located in Langol :: Pix - TSE

On World Emergency Medicine Day, observed globally today (May 27th) , the spotlight turns to the unsung heroes of healthcare—emergency medical professionals. This year's theme, 'Proud to Provide Your Emergency Care' celebrates the dedication and expertise of emergency practitioners who serve as the first line of defense in critical health scenarios.

In Northeast India, Shija Hospitals and Research Institute (SHRI), located in Langol, Imphal, stands out as a regional leader in emergency medicine, offering rapid, comprehensive, and lifesaving care to thousands every year.

Emergency Medicine: The Lifeline of Healthcare

Emergency medicine is the bedrock of any resilient health system. It focuses on the rapid assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of acute illnesses and injuries. Whether it's a heart attack, a stroke, a road traffic accident, or a sudden respiratory failure, emergency care is often the difference between life and death.

Emergency departments operate around the clock and must be prepared to manage a vast spectrum of conditions. Emergency physicians and nurses are specially trained to act swiftly and decisively, often with incomplete information and under pressure. The ability to stabilize patients and coordinate multidisciplinary care is the hallmark of this specialty.

Common Emergency Conditions

Faced by the Public across Manipur and much of India, certain emergencies occur with alarming frequency.

Road traffic accidents top the list, especially involving two-wheelers. Victims of trauma require rapid resuscitation, airway management, and surgical intervention.

Strokes are another major emergency, especially in the elderly. Recognizing signs early—such as facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulty—and reaching a hospital within the critical window can dramatically improve outcomes.

Cardiac emergencies, such as heart attacks and arrhythmias, are common and require ECG evaluation, thrombolytic therapy, or emergency catheterization. Sudden cardiac arrests demand immediate CPR and defibrillation.

Respiratory emergencies such as severe asthma attacks, pneumonia, or acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often present with breathlessness and require oxygen, nebulization, or even mechanical ventilation. Sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to infection, presents with fever, low blood pressure, and organ dysfunction, necessitating aggressive fluid resuscitation and antibiotics.

Other emergencies commonly seen include:

1) Poisoning and drug overdoses
2) Bum injuries
3) Pregnancy-related complications like eclampsia or postpartum hemorrhage
4) Pediatric illnesses like febrile seizures, dehydration, and respiratory infections
5) Psychiatric emergencies including suicide attempts and acute psychosis

Shija's Emergency Department : Rapid, Skilled, and Specialized

Shija Hospitals' Emergency Department (ED) operates 24x7 and serves as a hub for acute medical response in the state. Staffed by emergency physicians, trained nurses, and paramedics, the ED is structured for rapid triage, evaluation, stabilization, and intervention.

The hospital is also accredited by the National Board of Examination, New Delhi for a postgraduate DNB course in Emergency Medicine, contributing to the development of skilled emergency physicians. The triage area ensures that critically ill patients receive immediate attention, using evidence-based assessment tools.

Resuscitation bays are equipped with defibrillators, ventilators, and invasive monitoring systems to handle complex emergencies including polytrauma, myocardial infarctions, and severe sepsis. For neurological emergencies, the ED provides immediate stroke assessment, supported by in-house neuroimaging and a code stroke protocol for rapid thrombolysis.

As the only stroke-ready center in Manipur, Shija plays a pivotal role in time-sensitive brain injury management. Cardiac emergencies are managed with bedside ECGs, point-of-care testing, and seamless transfer to the catheterization lab, ensuring continuity of care from door to balloon. The ED is also equipped to deliver Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) protocols on site.

For trauma patients, a trauma team is activated from the ED, comprising emergency physicians, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and orthopedic specialists. A dedicated trauma bay ensures rapid bleeding control, airway management, and imaging. Obstetric and pediatric emergencies are managed by emergency-trained personnel in collaboration with OBGY and pediatric teams.

The ED includes access to emergency delivery kits, neonatal resuscitation equipment, and pediatric crash carts. The ED at Shija is also prepared for toxicology and psychiatric cases. Poisoned patients are rapidly decontaminated and stabilized, while acute psychiatric patients receive care in a secure and calming environment, with mental health professionals on call.

All services are supported by an integrated electronic medical record system, bedside ultrasound, rapid diagnostics, and a dedicated ambulance fleet with GPS tracking and communication with ED command.

Community Outreach and Awareness Beyond the hospital

Shija is committed to building a more resilient community. Public health initiatives include CPR and first-aid training, road safety, awareness, and stroke education campaigns. These efforts empower citizens to act during the critical early moments of a medical emergency.

Telemedicine links Shija's emergency expertise to remote and underserved regions, bringing timely advice and triage assistance to areas without immediate access to specialists. This Year's Emergency Medicine Day theme, "Proud to Provide Your Emergency Care," perfectly encapsulates Shija's mission.

Every emergency presents a test of readiness, skill, and resolve—and Shija's team rises to the occasion with compassion, competence, and coordination. Manipur's geographic challenges and infrastructural limitations make the delivery of emergency medicine especially demanding. Yet, Shija has emerged as a beacon of excellence in the region, setting new standards in emergency readiness and patient outcomes.

Looking Ahead

To further enhance its emergency capabilities, Shija is investing in technological upgrades such as AI-supported triage and electronic medical records. Plans to expand trauma care facilities and isolation units for infectious emergencies are also underway. Educational collaborations with national and international institutions aim to nurture future leaders in emergency medicine.

Conclusion

Emergency medicine saves lives—one crisis at a time. At Shija Hospitals, every emergency is met with urgency, empathy, and expertise. On this World Emergency Medicine Day, we salute the brave professionals who stand ready at every hour, and we reaffirm our commitment to delivering exceptional emergency care to the people of Manipur and beyond.