KCP (MC) threat forces closure of RIMS OPD
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 24 2011: The OPD services of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), which is being proposed to be upgraded to the status of AIIMS, has remained shut indefinitely from today following threats from a faction of the proscribed KCP.

In this connection, Medical Superintendent in-charge of RIMS Prof H Shanti Singh said that the decision to shut down OPD has been taken in the interest of the safety and care of the patients and the hospital staff.

However, Casualty, Operation Theatres and other wards would continue to function normally.

Prof Shanti informed that at around noon today, one caller who identified himself as a leader of the proscribed KCP threatened through telephone that OPD should be shut down at once or else there would be human casualty.

As a matter of fact, KCP had asked the Director of the Institute to shut down the administrative block some days back.

However, whether the threat is related to monetary demand of the armed outfit or over some other issues is not known, Prof Shanti said.

After the threat call, issuing of tickets had been stopped and after treatment of those who were already in possession of the tickets, the OPD services have remained shut down.

RIMS OPD wears a deserted look

Amidst the threat call, rumour of a bomb lying inside the OPD spread creating panic among the people.

Normalcy was restored after a police patrol party arrived and checked the area.

Medical Superintendent in-charge of RIMS Prof Shanti further informed that shut down of OPD would continue until a amicable solution has been brought.

As for the possibility of opening the OPD with the help of security guards, the Medical Superintendent in-charge said the matter would be first discussed with the Director.

The shut down may be to the inconveniences of the people but it is necessary from the care and safety point of the patients, Prof Shanti reasoned, while appealing to all concerned not to create any disruption in the operation of the hospital and to bring about an amicable solution between the two parties concerned in the interest of the people.

It is said that around 1300 to 14000 patients are being treated on an average every in the OPD while another 250 to 300 patients are admitted in the Casualty of RIMS, which is being proposed to be upgraded to the status of AIIMS.

The General OPD is function in the morning shift while Superspecialist OPD in the afternoon shift.

It may be noted here that functioning of RIMS has been subjected to threats from various armed groups in the past and there have been instances of bomb attacks as well.