The Association of Healthcare Providers India (AHPI), Manipur Chapter, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing disturbances in the state, stating that the prevailing situation has severely disrupted the delivery of essential healthcare services.
In a statement issued today by AHPI, the association strongly condemned a series of incidents that have reportedly targeted healthcare infrastructure and personnel. These include attacks on ambulances, obstruction of emergency medical transport, and the use of tear gas within or around hospital premises.
The AHPI Manipur Chapter also highlighted troubling instances where healthcare workers travelling for duty were obstructed, verbally abused, intimidated, and in some cases subjected to physical harassment. The body termed such actions as serious threats to the safety, neutrality and functioning of healthcare institutions.
Raising concerns over the impact of the unrest, the association noted that critically ill patients are facing life-threatening delays due to disruptions in emergency transport. It further stated that healthcare workers are operating under extreme stress, fear and insecurity, while essential services such as emergency care, intensive care support and surgical procedures are being significantly affected.
The statement cautioned that continued disruptions could lead to a systemic breakdown of healthcare delivery in the state if immediate corrective measures are not taken.
Appealing to all stakeholders, including CSOs and the public, AHPI Manipur urged that healthcare services be respected as neutral and protected, with zero tolerance for any form of obstruction or harassment of healthcare workers.
The association also called upon law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and ensure that no action endangers patients or medical personnel within hospital premises.
Further, the AHPI Manipur Chapter urged the Government of Manipur to take immediate steps to ensure the safe and unhindered movement of ambulances and healthcare workers, provide adequate security to healthcare institutions, and establish protected healthcare corridors and zones during periods of unrest.