The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, is once again in the eye of a storm following the death of Chingshubam Manju, a 35-year-old woman from Lilong Chajing Awang Leikai, wife of Chingshubam Niran, who died during childbirth.
Manju was admitted on September 16 for delivery. She underwent a caesarean operation at around 2:30 pm yesterday, resulting in the birth of a baby girl. Following the delivery, she experienced excessive bleeding, prompting doctors to advise a second surgery. After the procedure at around 8:00 pm, she lost consciousness and was shifted to the ICU. RIMS authorities informed the family at around 3:30 am today that she had passed away.
Following the incident, members of local clubs, Meira Paibis, and Manju’s maternal relatives met with the Superintendent of RIMS and Dr. Pritam to demand clarification. The meeting ended without any resolution. Frustrated, an irate mob vandalised the MS office, injuring a doctor. Discussions between Manju’s family, led by her younger brother Chingshubam Leishemba, and RIMS authorities have not yielded any agreement.
Adding to the growing list of recent fatalities, 50-year-old Yambem Sanjoy of Bamon Kampu Mayai Leikai, Imphal East, died yesterday, September 20, shortly after being readmitted to RIMS. Sanjoy was first admitted earlier the same day with complaints of arm pain. Initial tests were conducted, and the family was told that results would only be available on September 22. Despite this, he was discharged. Later in the afternoon, Sanjoy was brought back to the hospital at around 2:00 pm, underwent an ECG, and was declared dead soon after, according to hospital authorities. Families have expressed outrage at the apparent negligence and lack of timely medical attention, noting that a patient should not be discharged without proper follow-up or monitoring, especially when medical test results are pending.
Other recent deaths at RIMS reveal a pattern of neglect and administrative failure. Gotimayum Ongbi Ranibala, 36, of Wangkhei Yumlembam Leikai, died during delivery at RIMS on September 17, 2025, with family members alleging insufficient care and delays in medical attention. Laishram Ningol Hijam Ongbi Ibemcha, 52, wife of H Mohen of Awang Sekmai Laipat, Imphal West, died after being taken inside the RIMS operation theatre for a surgical operation for a fractured leg on August 19, 2025, raising serious questions about surgical protocols and monitoring. Yengkhom Kesho, 50, of Sekta village, died at RIMS on September 2, 2025, with family members alleging lack of timely medical attention and negligence.
After such unnatural deaths, inquiry committees are often constituted to investigate. However, the outcomes of these inquiries remain unknown, leaving families and the public without answers or accountability.
Beyond medical negligence, RIMS has been embroiled in administrative controversies. In May 2025, MBBS students protested demanding the immediate removal of the Director, Dean, and Sub-Dean, citing abusive and threatening behavior toward students. Allegations included mental harassment, coercive threats, and intimidation, undermining a professional and safe environment for education.
Also, an outlawed body, has accused RIMS Director Dr. G. Sunilkumar of widespread corruption and mismanagement. Allegations include deductions of 10–20 percent during procurement of medical equipment, bribery in employee transfers, and overcharging patients for OPD tickets and CT scans. While these remain allegations, they suggest a system where financial gain is prioritized over patient welfare.
Concerns have also been raised about access to care at RIMS. Many allege that without high-level connections or influence, patients are neglected. Laypersons reportedly face indifference not only from doctors but also from support staff and security personnel, leaving them at the mercy of the hospital.
These repeated deaths and allegations raise serious questions about the priorities of the administration. Plans to upgrade RIMS to AIIMS-level standards may focus only on infrastructure while failing to address persistent failures in patient care.
Once a premiere healthcare institution serving the entire Northeast, RIMS now appears mired in negligence, corruption, and administrative inefficiency. The repeated deaths, opaque inquiry processes, and allegations of favoritism make it clear that urgent independent oversight, transparency, and structural reform are necessary. Until such measures are implemented, public trust in RIMS remains critically shaken, and patient lives continue to be at risk.