Imphal, August 17:    Doctors and students from the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) and Shija Hospitals & Research Institute (SHRI) held protests today in response to the fatal assault on a Post Graduate student at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.

At RIMS Imphal, the protest took place outside the hospital OPD and was organized by the RIMS Resident Doctors Association (RDA). The demonstration supports the Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) call for a 24-hour nationwide service withdrawal. Emergency and casualty services remain operational.

Protesters, including members of the RDA, TAMOA, and the IMA Manipur State Branch, carried placards demanding justice for the victim, better protection for healthcare workers, and the implementation of a central protection act. They also showed solidarity with RG Kar Medical College.

Shija Hospitals & Research Institute (SHRI) also conducted a sit-in protest, drawing over 300 participants, including MBBS students, faculty from Shija Academy of Health Sciences, and SHRI consultants. This protest, part of a nationwide response led by the IMA and the Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI), emphasized the need for improved safety measures for healthcare professionals.

Dr. Khundongbam Palin, MD of Shija Hospital and president of AHPI’s Manipur Chapter, strongly denounced the assault and called for immediate justice and measures to protect healthcare workers. “The medical community in Manipur condemns this violent incident and demands swift and effective action,” Dr. Palin stated.

These protests underscore the urgent need to address violence against medical professionals and ensure their safety.