Suspending OPD, emergency, RIMS protest assault of doctor
'Violence cannot address grievances'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 22 2025: In response to the recent assault on Dr Ch Pritamkumar Singh and vandalism of hospital property, the Teachers' and Medical Officers' Association of RIMS (TAMO A), the Resident Doctors' Association (RDA), the RIMS Students' Union (RIMSSU), the Non-Teaching Employees Welfare Association (NTEWA), and the RIMS Nurses Association (RNAL), Lamphelpat jointly organised a sit-in protest today at the New OPD Block of RIMS, Imphal.

Notably, RIMS was rocked by two consecutive deaths recently which caused an uproar at the hospital.

The demonstration brought together representatives from across the institute to strongly condemn the incident and to call for urgent measures to safeguard healthcare workers.

Suspending OPD, emergency, RIMS protest assault of doctor

Faculty members, doctors, nursing staff, students, and employees participated in large numbers, holding placards and raising slogans demanding justice.

Speaking on the sideline of the protest, Yambem Ashakumar, representative of RIMSSU, said that when patient parties resort to mob violence in case of death of a patient, it brings down the morale of medical practitioners on top of creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

Instead, aggrieved families can approach the authority concerned and bring the erring doctors to book, if any, to justice.

Currently, they are only treating patients already admitted at the hospital and the OPD, emergency has been shut down, he added.

On another note, Dr Jeeten Kumar, president, TAMOA underscored the importance of ensuring that doctors render their life-saving service in an environment free of fear and insecurity.

TAMOA will extend its assistance when patients take up non-violent measures to address their grievances, he assured.

The protesters also denounced repeated acts of violence against medical professionals and urged the authorities to take strict legal action against the perpetrators, ensure adequate security measures within hospital premises, and implement stronger policies to prevent such incidents in the future.

Seeking cooperation and respect from the public, they reiterated that violence and vandalism cannot be a solution to grievances, and that disputes must be resolved through dialogue and legal mechanisms.

They shouted various slogans including "Stop violence against doctors", "We want justice", "Justice delayed is justice denied" etc among others.

Meanwhile, a separate sit-in protest was also organized at the Dental College of RIMS, Imphal, by the Teachers' Association of Dental College (TADC), along with dental doctors, staff, and students.

In this connection, Dr Kiran Aheibam, Associate Professor Dental College RIMS, strongly denounced the assault on a doctor and appealed the relevant authority to punish the culprits promptly.

The protesters here also addressed the safety concerns of healthcare professionals and called for restoring public faith in the sanctity of medical institutions.

Highlighting their concerns, they wielded placards with messages like "Hands that heal should not face harm", "No safety, no duty", "Doctors are humans too" etc .

In light of the controversy, heavy security has been seen at the hospital gate and stringentchecks conducted on those coming here.

Separately, the Indian Medical Association South East Manipur Branch (IMASEM) has strongly condemned the unfortunate incident at the hospital where Dr Professor Ch Pritamkumar Singh, unit HOD (O&G) RIMS, Imphal was assaulted.

In an emergency meeting held at Jivan Hospital, Kakching today, IMASEM also extended their condolences to the bereaved family of (L) Chingsuban Manju Devi.