Death of  5 patient at RIMS raise concerns, armed groups to investigate

The recent deaths of five patients at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, within 32 days have triggered widespread concern over alleged lapses in medical care and hospital administration. Proscribed groups Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), PREPAK-(Pro), and United National Liberation Front (UNLF), led by Koireng, stated that they had constituted a committee to investigate the incidents and ensure accountability.
The groups outlined that Hijam Ongbi Ibemcha (52) had died during an operation on August 19 despite being admitted earlier for treatment. Yengkhom Kesho (57), admitted after a blood pressure stroke, had deteriorated following a CT scan on September 1 and died after delayed ICU admission. Gotimayum Ongbi Ranibala (36) reportedly passed away during childbirth on September 18 due to alleged mismanagement and lack of timely consultation among doctors. Yambem Sanjoy (52) collapsed at home after delayed tests on September 20, and Chingsubam Manju (36) succumbed to postpartum hemorrhage complications on September 22, despite repeated surgical interventions and ICU care. Families of the deceased claimed that delays, miscommunication, and negligence had contributed to the deaths.
The groups alleged that these incidents reflected deeper systemic flaws at RIMS, including administrative lapses, corruption, favoritism, and dependence on ad-hoc staff without job security. They claimed that some doctors were attending private hospitals while on duty, which affected patient care and accountability, and noted that wealthier patients were increasingly seeking private healthcare due to perceived deficiencies in public hospitals.
RIMS officials reportedly stated that while doctors had followed standard medical protocols, some complications—such as postpartum hemorrhage—could occur despite best practices. They emphasized that staff were committed to patient care and condemned acts of mob violence targeting hospital personnel, which they said jeopardized patient safety and disrupted medical services.
The proscribed groups urged all on-duty medical staff to report promptly, warning of penalties for absentees. They appealed to the Health & Family Welfare Department to provide adequate equipment and infrastructure support, asserting that these measures were necessary to prevent further tragedies, restore public confidence, and strengthen hospital administration. They stressed that systemic reforms were essential to ensure accountability and the proper functioning of the state’s premier medical institute.