RIMS Clarifies Medical Mandate Following Manipur Hospital Protests

Imphal: The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Manipur issued a formal clarification this week stating its function is strictly limited to medical treatment. The institute emphasized that it plays no role in transporting patients or coordinating security details for those arriving at its facility.

This statement follows a tense protest on the hospital campus where demonstrators alleged that three Kuki youths receiving care were militants. The unrest resulted in security forces deploying tear gas and baton charges to control the crowd. RIMS clarified that these patients were transferred to the facility by the 183 Military Hospital in Leimakhong. The institute noted that all external security arrangements for the movement and care of these individuals were managed by outside authorities.

“The sole responsibility of RIMS is to provide medical care to all patients brought to the hospital,” the institution said in a statement. Officials reiterated that their primary duty remains fulfilling humanitarian obligations toward every patient admitted for treatment.

Hospital leadership condemned the use of smoke and mock bombs within the campus, calling the actions a serious interference with healthcare services. The administration has urged the public to refrain from disrupting operations, as such actions threaten the safety of critically ill and emergency patients. Authorities continue to monitor the security situation surrounding the hospital.