Elderly inmates donate bodies to JNIMS
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 01 2022: The chairman of Langol Old Age Home along with his wife and 10 inmates of the home pledged to donate their bodies to JNIMS on Saturday.

During a simple function held at the premises of the Home in Langol Ningthou Leikai, relevant documents including declarations/affidavits obtained after requisite formalities were handed over to JNIMS director Prof L Deben.

Speaking on the occasion, Langol Old Age Home chairman Oinam Mangi recalled that although he is originally from Thanga, he sold off his 3 lou pari to establish the Old Age Home at Langol with the aim of caring for the elderly people who have been abandoned/neglected by their families.

It is unfortunate and sad for children to abandon their parents, who sacrificed their entire life for them (children), after becoming successful in life.

He recounted that an elderly inmate died after a serious illness.

The family was informed but they refused to claim the body.

As such, the Home cremated the body with the help of IMC and even conducted the Shraddha Ceremony.

This incident raised questions amongst the inmates on what they could do after dead and subsequently resolved to donate their bod ies after demise.

After a joint consultation with the elderly inmates, they unanimously rejected handing over their bodies to their children and instead settled to donate the same to help the medical students of JNIMS enhance their knowledge.

While disclosing that the Home has not received any government help till date, Mangi said that the inmates do not have access to CMHT cards or any other schemes.

Even if efforts were made to seek for the same, no one has been willing to lend a hand.

JNIMS director Prof L Deben said that the decision of the elderly inmates to donate their bodies after demise is a magnanimous thought and extended support to the same.

He also assured that JNIMS will extend all possible help to the Home whenever required, including facility for enrolment of CMHT cards and access to health care, and suggested contacting either him or JNIMS MS when needed.

Prof Deben then assured of taking up the flooring work of the rooms in the home, while expressing hope that others will also extend their support.

The generous donation by the elderly inmates will greatly benefit the students of JNIMS, he added.

JNIMS MS Dr Kh Lokeshwar said that JNIMS will help when the elderly inmates of the Home get sick and also for other related health issues, while appealing to the Home to contact the Institute when required.

The function was also attended by advocates Kh Kanta and L Umakanta as guests of honour, along with top officials and teaching and non-teaching staff of Anatomy Department and Physiology Department of JNIMS.

Later, the Institute donated cash, cloth, food and other essential items for the elderly inmates of the Home.

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