Imphal, August 20: Tension erupted at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, on Tuesday after a 52-year-old woman died during treatment for a leg fracture, with her family alleging medical negligence and staging a protest inside the hospital premises.
The deceased has been identified as Hijam Ongbi Ibemcha, a resident of Awang Sekmai Laipak in Imphal West. She had been admitted to RIMS on August 13 for treatment of a fracture on her right leg. According to her relatives, the surgery was scheduled for Tuesday under the supervision of Associate Professor (Orthopaedics) Dr. Roel Langshong.
“She was taken to the operation ward around 10 am. By 2 pm, the hospital authorities informed us of her death, which we strongly suspect is due to negligence,” families told reporters.
Following the news, the family confronted the attending doctor and held discussions with the hospital administration at the Medical Superintendent’s office. They demanded an apology from the concerned doctors or their resignation. However, the hospital authorities reportedly rejected the demand and instead advised the family to move the body from the ICU to the mortuary for a post-mortem examination.
The family refused, alleging the move was an attempt to “cover up” the incident. Soon after, relatives and supporters staged a protest inside the hospital premises, refusing to accept the body. Tension escalated when private security personnel attempted to intervene, but the situation was brought under control after Manipur Police rushed to the spot.
By late evening, negotiations between the hospital administration and the family were still ongoing, with the body remaining inside the ICU. Security personnel have been deployed at the hospital to prevent further escalation.
