JNIMS sees light of day, CM ecstatic
Source: The Sangai Express / Addie Chiphang

Ukhrul, August 16, 2010: The first and only medical institute under the State Government, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) was finally opened today by Governor Gurbachan Jagat today.

The inaugural function was graced by Governor Gurbachan Jagat, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi and Health Minister Ph Parijat as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Addressing the function attended by Ministers, MLAs and a host of Government officials, the Chief Minister said that the successful opening of the State's only medical institute is a major collective achievement of the people of Manipur.

He exuded confidence that the institute would help in producing dedicated and distinguished doctors who would in turn render services to the people.

Observing that the people do not like to be treated in Government hospitals, Ibobi said that this was primarily because of irregularities among doctors and lack of quality service on the part of hospital staff towards patients.

Rather than diagnosing and treating patients in the State-run hospitals, people are going to hospitals based outside the State incurring huge expenditures.

Governor Gurbachan Jagat cutting the ribbon to mark the start of JNIMS

But this does not mean doctors of other States are more competitive and skilful than the doctors of Manipur.

The defining difference is that doctors working in hospitals based outside the State are more diligent and dedicated, the Chief Minister asserted.

Noting that some doctors working in Government hospitals have been practising in private hospitals, Ibobi decried the practice of these doctors referring poor patients to private hospitals who in the first place came for treatment in Government hospitals.

He also appealed to doctors not to indulge in such unethical practices but to care for the patients.

He also appealed against the practice of referring expectant mothers to private hospitals for operations even when the delivery can be done normally thereby causing serious hardships to poor families.

In his speech, Governor Gurbachan Jagat observed that inauguration of JNIMS close on the heels of the opening of an NIT in the State was a giant leap ahead.

JNIMS and NIT would go a long way in producing future doctors and engineers, he said.

"The Government may start planning from today as to how to give gainful employment to these young boys and girls when they complete graduation and post-graduation so that this pool of talent remain in Manipur to serve the people of Manipur", the Governor stated.

Observing that even after more than 60 years of independence, the Government is unable to provide quality health services to the people, particularly the rural poor, Gurbachan appealed to the Government to provide a scheme of incentives to doctors willing to serve in rural and remote areas.

Ph Parijat remarked that a long cherished dream of the people of Manipur has been realised with the opening of JNIMS.

But this is not enough.

If all the necessary infrastructure cannot be installed in the coming years, the Medical Council of India may cancel recognition given to JNIMS.

It demands sustained efforts from all quarters to develop the medical institute to a complete stage.