Imphal, December 22 2010: Following take over by the Union Ministry of Health, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) has embraced a disdainful arrogance thinking that the State Government has no authority to interfere in its matters and that the State Government may do what it likes.

This was stated by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi on the floor of the House today in response to a call attention motion raised by MLA O Joy and MLA Dr I Ibohalbi with regard to the dead of one Okram Subhash at Shija Hospital on October 26 after he was forced to shift from RIMS because of alleged doctors' negligence there.

Subhash was admitted to RIMS on October 25 .

Stating that doctors cannot save a dying patient, Ibobi observed that there have been numerous instances of skirmishes and conflicts between doctors and unsatisfied patient parties at RIMS.

He lamented that there are very few doctors who could console patient parties with his/her dedicated service even when they could not save the patients.

Terming the dead of Okram Subhash as very unfortunate, the Chief Minister noted that there would be many bereaved families who could not raise their grievances about the dead of their dear ones in the State Assembly.

Even though the Chief Minister is vice-chairman of the RIMS governing body, he has no authority to take up action against any RIMS official.

Decrying that people's hope for more efficient and humane service after take over by the Health Ministry has been belied by the conduct of RIMS, Ibobi noted that the crux of the problem lies in big-salaried doctors neglecting their duties.

Stating that the Government cannot remain silent to such distasteful attitude of RIMS, Ibobi remarked that it was quite opportune to raise the issue in the State Assembly.

In view of such delinquency on the part of RIMS officials, they might be taking their children to private hospitals for treatment if their own children fall ill.

He proposed the House to consult legal experts and find out what can be done to redress the malaise afflicting RIMS even though it is under the Union Health Ministry.

Quoting an enquiry report furnished by RIMS authority about the dead of Subhash, Ibobi said that Subhash was taken away by her family just as doctors were readying for treatment and that there was no lapses on the part of RIMS doctors.

However, had the doctors took up prompt action in consultation with the patient party, there would not have been any voice of dissent, Ibobi remarked.

Earlier, raising a call attention motion, O Joy noted that there have been many instances of skirmishes and quarrels between doctors and patient parties at RIMS.

He said that Subhash was in a state of comatose when he was rushed to RIMS Casualty at about 2.30 pm of October 25.Subhash was admitted to ward at around 7 in the evening.

Even as the patient was lying in coma, no artificial oxygen was supplied.

Unsatisfied with the service of doctors, the patient party took Subhash to Shija Hospital at around 3.30 am of the next day.

Saying that prompt and necessary treatment was given at Shija Hospital whereas very little was done at RIMS, O Joy questioned whether the laxity on the part of RIMS doctors was due to lack of professional ethics of absence of necessary equipment.

He further proposed the House to urge upon the Health Minister to look into the matter and correct the misconduct of RIMS before the premier health institute lose people's faith.

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