Doctors’ strike cripples healthcare in Manipur after assault on RIMS senior doctor
Imphal: A large-scale doctors' strike in Manipur on Monday left hundreds of patients struggling to access essential healthcare services, following the violent assault of a senior doctor at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal.
Members of the Teachers' and Medical Officers' Association (TAMOA), RIMS launched the strike in protest, immediately shutting down all services, including the Outpatient Department (OPD), emergency care, routine operations (OT), and Periodic Medical Examination (PME).
The association announced that services would remain suspended until authorities identify, arrest, and punish the individuals responsible for the attack, and ensure a safe working environment for healthcare professionals.
In a press release, TAMOA clarified that while services remain suspended, doctors will continue diagnosis and treatment for patients already admitted at RIMS.
The association also announced plans to file an FIR and pursue legal action against the perpetrators.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Manipur State Branch, AHPI Manipur (Association for Health Care Providers of India), IOGS (Imphal Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society), and other medical bodies extended their support.
These groups announced a 24-hour suspension of all routine OPDs, elective surgeries, and diagnostic services, including those in private hospitals, government facilities, and individual clinics, from 6 am on September 23 to 6 am on September 24.
The strike followed reports that angry relatives of two deceased patients assaulted a senior doctor and vandalized hospital property on Sunday, sparking chaos within RIMS and drawing condemnation from the medical community.
Meanwhile, several civil society organisations, including the Youth Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) and the World Meetei Organisation (WMO) Women Wing, issued separate statements condemning alleged medical negligence at RIMS.
These groups claimed that five preventable deaths occurred in recent days due to negligence and called for accountability and transparency in the medical system.
The organisations urged the Manipur Medical Council (MMC) to form an independent inquiry committee and release its findings within a fixed timeline.
They further demanded that the MMC, the State Government, and RIMS authorities take strict disciplinary measures, including medical license suspension and criminal prosecution, against any doctors, administrators, or senior officials found guilty of misconduct or negligence.