On September 21, 2025, the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal was the site of a violent incident following the deaths of two patients within a 24-hour period.
The deaths led to allegations of medical negligence and resulted in a mob assault on a doctor and the vandalism of hospital property.
On Saturday evening, 50-year-old Yambem Sanjoy from Bamon Kampu in Imphal East passed away. The following day, 35-year-old Chingshubam Ongbi N Manju, a resident of Lilong Chajing Awang Leikai, died after giving birth to a daughter through C-section.
Family members of both patients alleged medical negligence, claiming that doctors were attending to private clinic patients instead of those at RIMS.
On Sunday morning, following Manju's death, her family and others gathered outside the hospital to seek answers. As tensions escalated, a mob attempted to storm the office of the medical superintendent.
Security personnel prevented the intrusion, but the mob proceeded to vandalize hospital property near the office, including chairs and other items.
Dr. Pritamkumar, the consultant overseeing Manju's case, was assaulted during the chaos and sustained injuries. He is currently receiving treatment in the hospital's trauma ICU.
In the meantime, a statement released by the RIMS media team expressed the institution's profound sorrow over the unfortunate death of Manju, which occurred due to complications following a cesarean delivery, and offered sincere sympathies to the grieving family.
"While the sentiments of the family and community are understood, it must be emphasised that damaging public property, manhandling medical professionals, and resorting to violence are unlawful acts. Such actions not only hamper essential healthcare services but may also invite legal consequences under the relevant laws," it said.
The Teachers and Medical Officers’ Association (TAMOA) also condemned the assault and false allegations circulating on social media, describing the doctor as "an honest and duty-abiding officer."
In response to the violence, the RIMS Medical Association has suspended all health services at the hospital. The association has condemned the attack on medical staff and the destruction of hospital property, calling for immediate action to ensure the safety of healthcare workers. They have also demanded a thorough investigation into the allegations of negligence and the events leading up to the assault.
Expressing genuine worry about a possible shady connection between doctors and private hospitals, it urged the Manipur Medical Council to quickly set up an independent team to look into things, following Section 13 of the Manipur Medical Council Act, 2009, and Rule 45 of the Manipur Medical Council Rules, 2013.
(Rh/Eth/ARC/MSM)