Protesting assault of staff by MLA, RIMS patients discharged
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 22 2016:
Following the cease-work strike launched by nurses of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, (RIMS) today, a large number of patients including critical ones, admitted in the hospital have been discharged by doctors concerned.
Taking serious note of the issue, the Medical Superintendent of RIMS, Dr M Amuba Singh has appealed to the RIMS Nurses Association and Non-Teaching Employees' Welfare Association, RIMS to suspend the cease work strike in the interest of the public and the patients.
According to an unnamed doctor attending a male patient at RIMS, without the service of the nurses no patients can recover from any illness.
"It would be pointless to admit patients who need intensive care," the doctor added.
The cease-work strike came into force today after the MLA of Wangkhem AC K Meghachandra allegedly thrashed an attendant G Doyang Rongmei and staff nurse (male) L Kanta Singh of Physical and Medical Rehabilitation ward last night around 9.50 pm while visiting Shamu Singh of Bed no M-8.The cease-work strike has severely affected the functioning of RIMS including the Casualty Department.
All other departments wore a deserted look as no nurses attended to their patients.
Secretary of RIMS Nurses Association, Lamphelpat (RNAL) told The Sangai Express at RIMS that the MLA failed to apologize to the victims for his act of violence against an attendant and a staff nurse while discharging their duty.
She added that the MLA barged into the ward demanding the attendant to open the gate which was against the rules and regulation of not entertaining visitors after 6 pm.
The rules and regulations were clearly displayed on the notice board for general information and how could an educated elected representative miss such an important note, she asked.
Narrating the incident, she said that the attendant and the staff nurse conveyed the information to the visiting MLA of the existing rules and regulations of the ward.
When the chief security officer of RIMS contacted the attendant, the staff nurse contacted the higher authorities for their approval and later agreed to open the gate.
In the meantime, the MLA met the patient and after that he turned towards the attendant and the staff nurse and pulled their ears.
Further, the MLA flatly denied any wrongdoings in a meeting held with the Medical Superintendent, Director of RIMS and representatives of the association earlier today, she added.
He even threatened to lodge an FIR against the nurse for disciplinary action for not maintaining respect towards a VIP, Priyashini said.
It is very unfortunate that the MLA had no idea of job responsibility.
She added that the MLA also sarcastically denied any wrong doings towards the attendant and staff nurse while they were staging a sit-in-protest against such acts.
Hoping the police would help the innocent victims get justice, representatives of RNAL tried to lodge an FIR against the MLA.
Unfortunately Lamphel police station failed to accept their complaint, she added.
RNAL will continue to protest unless the MLA publicly apologizes to the victims, she said.
Mention may be made that Shamu Singh of Bed no M-8 was discharged early today after recovering.