Health, education key to development, says Dr Bimol
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 14 2026: Lok Sabha Member Dr Bimol Akoijam has asserted that health and education are two key elements for the development and progress of a society.

A book "Shathiraba Laitiashing Ngakthoknaba Upaising" written by former CMO, Imphal East Dr Kshetrimayum Manglem in both Bengali and Meitei Mayek was released today at the conference hall of All India Women's Voluntary Services, Manipur Branch at Paona Keithel.

Speaking at the book release function, Dr Bimol observed that proper healthcare facilities are not available in Government health centres in the State.

He said that hospitals in Manipur lack many essential healthcare facilities.

In the absence of proper and modem healthcare facilities at Government hospitals and health centres, economically weaker sections of the people have been facing a huge challenge, he said.

The Lok Sabha Member said that he recently visited several Government health centres and he found the health centres lacking in several aspects.

The health centres were found suffering from absence of or non-functional key equipment like ultrasound machine, MRI machine, X-ray machine etc, he said.

Dr Bimol observed that the private sector has dominated the health sector.

Noting that medical fees charged by private hospitals are much higher than the fees charged at Government hospitals, the Lok Sabha Member said that private hospitals generally charge around Rs 50,000 for a medical procedure or treatment which costs just Rs 6000 at Government hospitals.

Questioning why most people of Manipur prefer diagnosis and treatment outside the State despite incurring much larger expenditures and the State having many talented doctors, Dr Bimol stressed the need to foster better relationship between patients and doctors in the State.

He said that Dr Manglem's book released today will be quite beneficial in taking care of one's health.

Dr Ksh Manglem said that the book largely deals with non-communicable diseases caused by one's diet and lifestyle and how to prevent such diseases.

Health Services Director Dr N Hemantakumar said that cases of non-communicable diseases have been rising at an alarming rate in the State.

The book released today will help a lot in fighting and preventing these diseases, he said.

Dr Hemantakumar said that diet and regular exercise are closely related with many non-communicable diseases.

Retired Lt Gen Konsam Himalay and Health Services Additional Director and State Nodal Officer (Non-Communicable Diseases) Dr Y Premchandra too attended the function as presidium members.

Comment