RIMS tense as woman dies before surgery
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 19 2025: A 52-year-old woman undergoing treatment at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, reportedly died on Tuesday shortly after being administered pre-operative medication, sparking outrage and a protest within the hospital premises.

The deceased has been identified as Hijam Ibemcha, w/o Hijam Mohen of Awang Sekmai Laipat Leikai.

She is survived by two daughters studying in Class III and Class VIII.

According to reports, Ibemcha was admitted to RIMS Orthopaedic ward on August 13 after slipping in her courtyard and fracturing her right leg.

After she underwent treatment and necessary tests were carried out, doctors reportedly found no serious complications prior to her scheduled surgery.

On Tuesday, she was taken into the operation theatre around 9:30 am.

Family members said that no concerns were raised by doctors at that point.

However, shortly afterwards, they were informed that Ibemcha had lost consciousness and was shifted to the ICU, where she passed away.

Her younger sister, Laishram Geeta, told reporters that the family was shocked as there had been no indication of complications before the operation.

She appealed to the authorities to ensure justice for her late sister.

Following the incident, an enraged mob stormed the RIMS campus and staged a demonstration condemning the circumstances surrounding the death.

Security personnel of RIMS, assisted by Lamphel police, intervened to control the irate crowd, leading to a scuffle between the police and the patient's relatives.

Later, Ibemcha's family members met the RIMS medical superintendent but no understanding could be reached.

A formal complaint has since been lodged with Lamphel police.

Meanwhile, efforts to contact RIMS officials for their version of the incident proved unsuccessful, as no hospital authority could be reached for comment.

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