Protesters lock Manipur hospital after mother and newborn die in transit

Imphal: A 30-year-old mother and her newborn baby died Friday during an emergency medical transfer in Manipur. Khaidem Ongbi Malemnganbi Devi, a resident of Sugnu Municipal Ward Number 1, gave birth at the Sugnu Sub-District Hospital in Kakching district. Medical staff ordered an immediate move to Thoubal District Hospital after the mother suffered a sudden drop in blood pressure. They never made it.

Both patients died before reaching the larger facility. The mother, wife of Kh Biren, leaves behind two surviving daughters. Local residents and family members stormed the Sugnu hospital following the news, locking the building's doors in protest. They formed a 13-member Joint Action Committee to lead the demonstration.

JAC Convenor Aheibam Nganthoi Devi slammed the medical team for the incident. She said: "The medical team attending the delivery of severe negligence." She also blamed the state government and the local MLA for the poor condition of the road between Sugnu and Wangoo Lamkhao, arguing the broken infrastructure hampered the emergency transport.

Authorities moved the bodies to Thoubal District Hospital for post-mortem exams. Sugnu police have opened a case and started a formal inquiry into the deaths.