IMPHAL: Visitors to the outpatient department (OPD) at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal city of Manipur were turned away on Tuesday (July 02) after doctors and nursing staff went on a one-day strike.
The strike was in response to the assault of a doctor at RIMS-Imphal on duty, prompting a sit-in protest in front of the OPD.
The teachers and medical officers’ association organized the protest, with senior and junior doctors, nurses, and students participating.
They held placards reading, “Save the saviour”, “We condemn violence against doctors in the workplace”, “Protect those who protect us”, “No more violence against doctors” and “Assaulting doctors is a crime”.
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Dr Sanjeeb, the medical superintendent of RIMS, stated that the protest was a reaction to the severe beating of a gynaecology doctor by patient parties inside the hospital on Monday.
“Whenever any problem arises, the concerned RIMS authority could be contacted and settled through dialogue,” he said.
He appealed to the public not to harm doctors in the future and suggested that any issues be communicated through complaint boxes installed in the hospital.
The OPD remained closed throughout office hours due to the strike, causing significant inconvenience to patients.
The hospital staff demanded better protection and condemned the violence against healthcare professionals.