IT News
Imphal, April 25,
North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) expressed strong condemnation to the rising incidence of deaths at government hospitals in Manipur especially those in the capital Imphal namely, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) and Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) since last many years. A statement Chinglen Khumukcham, member convening committee NEFIS said that the phenomenon has come to a head since many deaths have occurred in the last few months, thereby pointing to a strong possibility of negligence of the hospital staff.
“The problem is also emblematic of the way in which the hospitals of the state have been rendered decrepit due to conscious attempts at under-funding them and thereby promoting privatization of health services in the state”, the statement added.
The NEFIS statement further said that deaths, especially delivery deaths due to negligence of the hospital staff have become a common occurrence at JNIMS and other government hospitals of Manipur.
“Shockingly, Manipur government instead of looking into the matter is busy in promoting private hospitals. The government deliberately cuts funds for public-health institutions, in order to promote privatization of health services. Due to the deterioration of health services, people are forced to seek treatment in private hospitals, and thereby leading to a situation where a majority is compelled to live without any access to public-health services”, the statement added.
NEFIS statement said that a delegation of activists would be submitting a memorandum to the Manipur Minister of Health. It would also build a mass movement to ensure that quality health services are provided to people, the statement added.