Shija Hospitals turns 40 : Healing hands, visionary heart

Maibam Romiyo *

SHRI celebrates 40th foundation day :: Pix - Chronicle News Service

As Shija Hospitals & Research Institute (SHRI) celebrates four decades of tireless service under the theme "40 Years of Healing," the spotlight naturally falls on its founder, Dr Palin Khundongbam - a pioneering plastic surgeon, visionary leader, and one of North East India's most respected social entrepreneurs.

Set amidst the rugged hills and strategic yet secluded location of Manipur - often considered geographically isolated from mainland India and marked by decades of political instability - Dr Palin dared to dream what many thought impossible.

At a time when Manipur faced frequent turmoil in law and order, basic infrastructure shortages, and a major exodus of talent, he envisioned a center of medical excellence not as a reaction to adversity but as a response filled with hope, innovation, and purpose. Where many saw only limitations, Dr Palin saw latent possibilities.

His core belief - that every problem carries within it the seed of a solution and an opportunity - became the guiding light of Shija's evolution. He transformed the region's so-called 'location disadvantage' into a strategic advantage by tapping into the unmet healthcare needs of both the local population and the neighboring Southeast Asian corridor.

His courage to return to his homeland, armed with knowledge from premier institutes like RIMS and PGI Chandigarh, laid the foundation for a healthcare movement born not just out of skill, but of deep-rooted commitment to people. From a small clinic in 1985 to an acclaimed super-specialty hospital and first NABH accredited Medical College hospital in North East India, Dr Palin's life work has quietly revolutionized healthcare in the region.

The Journey of Healing: From Clinic to Centre of Excellence

Dr Palin Khundongbam returned to his roots with a singular mission : to make affordable, quality health-care accessible in Manipur. What began with limited resources in a modest clinic has since grown into a 350-bedded, NABH-accredited super-specialty hospital - featuring 60 critical care beds.

Today, Shija Hospitals & Research Institute (SHRI) has earned its place as a trusted name in comprehensive healthcare, offering a broad range of specialties including Kidney and Cornea Transplantation, Minimal Access (Keyhole) Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Interventional Radiology, Advanced Stroke Management, Cardiac Sciences, Joint Replacement, Neuro-sciences, Renal Sciences, Gastroenterology, Eye Care, and Palliative Care.

This clinical excellence is further supported by a blood bank and an NABL-accredited laboratory, ensuring the highest standards in diagnostic and clinical services. SHRI also manages a Common Biomedical Waste Management facility, playing a significant role in safeguarding the environmental and public health ecosystem of the State.

One of SHRI's most meaningful impacts has been its success in reducing the outflow of patients seeking medical care outside Manipur. By continually introducing advanced technologies and expanding specialty services, Shija has enabled thousands of patients to access quality treatment closer to home - saving both cost and hardship for families across the region.

During the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, SHRI stood at the forefront of the fight against the virus - playing a vital role in both testing and treatment, and serving as a critical pillar of the State's public health response during a global crisis.

A major milestone in SHRI's clinical journey was achieved in 1996, when it introduced Manipur's first-ever Minimal Access Surgery (MAS), commonly referred to as keyhole surgery. This pioneering initiative marked the beginning of a 29-year legacy of minimally invasive procedures in the State.

From routine gallbladder removals to complex laparoscopic operations, MAS dramatically reduced patient trauma, recovery time, and post-operative complications - positioning Shija as a leader in surgical innovation in North East India.

Today, SHRI continues to be at the forefront of MAS, with highly skilled surgeons performing intricate procedures through tiny incisions - powered by advanced technology and driven by an unwavering commitment to precision and care.

Healing Without Borders

Dr Palin Khundongbam's medical expertise is matched only by his deep humanitarian commitment. Through the Smile Train Shija Cleft Project, he and his dedicated team have transformed the lives of thousands of children born with cleft lip and palate - restoring not just smiles, but confidence and futures.

Extending this mission beyond National borders, Mission Myanmar brought life-changing care to under-served populations in neighboring Myanmar. Through surgical camps and hands-on training for local healthcare professionals, Dr. Palin helped build lasting capacity in regions with limited access to specialized care.

His compassion continues to reach those most in need - whether in remote areas, disaster-affected zones, or marginalized communities where medical help would otherwise never arrive. Initiatives such as Rotary's Heart to Heart and collaborations with the Burn Healing Foundation have further enabled hundreds of free cardiac and reconstructive surgeries for some of the region's most vulnerable individuals.

Shija Academy of Health Sciences: Building the Future of Medicine

Recognizing that a sustainable healthcare eco-system must be grounded in quality medical education, Dr Palin Khundongbam founded the Shija Academy of Health Sciences (SAHS) - a vital extension of his vision for a self-reliant North East. SAHS is committed to producing strong, empathetic, and socially as well as environmentally responsible medical graduates and post-graduates.

The Academy aims to nurture research-oriented professionals equipped to meet the evolving demands of healthcare, medical value tourism, and affordable quality care - contributing to the State's economic efficiency and inclusive regional development. A sister concern of Shija Academy also currently offers programs in nursing and paramedical courses.

These offerings directly address the acute shortage of healthcare professionals in the region, establishing a consistent pipeline of skilled and compassionate caregivers. The Academy blends rigorous academic instruction with immersive clinical training within the SHRI campus, ensuring students are equipped not only with medical competence but also with a deep sense of compassion and professionalism as they prepare to serve society.

Dr Palin envisions SAHS as a vibrant academic hub that attracts students from across the North East and neighboring Southeast Asian countries, fostering a dynamic and cross-cultural learning environment. His guiding philosophy, "If we want to heal a generation, we must educate one," continues to shape the Academy's mission - empowering the next generation of healers to lead with knowledge, empathy, and purpose.

Recognition that Reflects Service

From receiving the NEF Outstanding Award in 2023 to being named among India's Top 25 Living Legends in Healthcare, Dr Kh Palin Khundongbam's contributions have earned both National and international acclaim. He holds a Guinness World Record (2003) for the successful removal of the world's largest neck tumor and was recognized as the Indian Healthcare Ambassador of the Year in 2015.

Most recently, Dr Khundongbam Palin has been selected by the Indian Medical Association (MA) for the prestigious Eminent Doctor Personality Award, conferred on the occasion of National Doctors' Day 2025. Yet, behind every accolade, Dr Palin sees more than just personal achievement - he sees the journey of each patient, the unwavering dedication of his team, and the collective advancement of an entire region.

The Road Ahead: Manipur as a Global Health Hub

Dr Palin Khundongbam's vision reaches far beyond the borders of Manipur. With Shija Hospitals as the anchor and Shija Academy of Health Sciences as the driving force, he envisions Manipur as a premier healthcare destination for Southeast Asia - offering an affordable, ethical, and technologically advanced alternative to metropolitan centers and overseas treatment.

By integrating clinical excellence, academic rigor, community outreach, and international collaboration, Dr Palin is reversing the long-standing trend of medical migration. In a region once defined by limited access to quality healthcare, he is building a future rooted in hope, healing, and self-reliance. As Shija marks its 40th year, the mission continues - stronger and more purposeful than ever.

The story of Shija Hospitals & Research Institute is no longer just about one hospital or one visionary doctor; it is the unfolding story of an entire region rising with dignity, resilience, and renewed hope.