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Allegations of Medical Negligence at RIMS

Imphal, Sept 24: Sanajaoba Leishemba, the sole Rajya Sabha representative from Manipur, announced on Tuesday his intention to engage with relevant authorities regarding claims of medical negligence at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal. This follows reports of at least five fatalities over the past two months.

His remarks came in light of increasing unrest at RIMS after two deaths occurred on September 20 and 21, one of which involved a 35-year-old woman during childbirth. These events have sparked protests, including an attack on a gynaecologist who is now receiving treatment in the hospital's trauma ICU.

The Teachers’ and Medical Officers’ Association (TAMOA) has condemned what it labels as “baseless accusations and violent attacks” against one of its senior medical professionals. In response, the association, along with various staff and student groups, has initiated an indefinite halt to OPD, emergency services, routine surgeries, and PME services at RIMS, although care for admitted patients continues. Protests have also been organized in front of the New OPD block since Monday.

In a separate matter, MP Sanajaoba expressed his support for the introduction of GST 2.0, referring to it as a “festival gift” that aims to alleviate the financial strain on citizens and bolster the economy. The updated tax structure consolidates the previous four slabs of 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% into two categories: 5% and 18%.

The MP noted that this new framework has already resulted in price reductions for over 375 products, including vehicles, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. He emphasized that it would particularly benefit middle-class households and small enterprises, asserting that this reform would enhance domestic manufacturing under the Make in India initiative and support the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, aligning with the government's objective of achieving a developed India by 2047 through the Viksit Bharat mission.