Imphal East Health Staff Protest Rising Extortion Demands

Imphal: Health employees under the Imphal East Chief Medical Officer staged a sit-in protest on Thursday at the SAYC ground in Soibam Leikai. Doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, and auxiliary nurse midwives gathered to demand an end to persistent monetary demands from armed groups and civil society bodies. These staff members face increasing financial pressure that threatens their ability to function.

The annual financial burden has climbed significantly since the violence erupted on May 3, 2023. Costs have jumped from a range of 4 to 5 lakh rupees to roughly 16 to 17 lakh rupees. Khagembam Bikramjit Singh, a pharmacist and store-in-charge for the Non-Communicable Disease Cell, noted that teams provide essential cover for sports and cultural events at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, Hapta Kangjeibung, and City Convention Centre. He stated, "These additional duties do not bring extra remuneration."

Staff members reported that groups target both the main CMO office and individual peripheral health centres. Lower-paid employees like ANMs and staff nurses struggle most with these costs. A senior official confirmed the CMO office backed the protest proposal after recognizing the severity of the situation. Concerns persist regarding the safety of female personnel stationed at isolated facilities where intimidation remains a threat. Protesters held placards begging groups to stop the interference. They now seek formal protection to perform their medical duties without constant financial coercion.