The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) has clarified that its responsibility is limited to providing medical treatment to patients and that it has no role in transporting patients or arranging security, following protests and unrest at the hospital over the treatment of three injured youths. The clarification came after tensions flared at the hospital complex on Monday when a group of protesters alleged that three injured youths receiving treatment at the institute were militants. The situation escalated, prompting security personnel to intervene. Tear gas shells were fired and a baton charge was carried out to disperse the crowd and restore order within the hospital premises. The three injured youths, who belong to the Kuki community, were reportedly brought to RIMS by security forces after being referred from the 183 Military Hospital at Leimakhong for further medical treatment. In a statement issued on Monday night, RIMS sought to address concerns surrounding the incident and explained its role in the matter. The institute stated that it neither arranged the transportation of the injured individuals nor made security arrangements related to their movement and treatment.
“The injured persons were brought in by 183 Military Hospital, Leimakhong, for necessary medical treatment,” the institute said in its statement. RIMS further emphasised that its primary and only responsibility is to provide medical care to patients admitted to the hospital, irrespective of their background. The institute said that healthcare professionals are bound by professional ethics and humanitarian obligations to treat those in need of medical attention. “The sole responsibility of RIMS is to provide medical care to all patients brought to the hospital,” the statement said. Hospital authorities also appealed to members of the public to refrain from disrupting healthcare services, warning that such disturbances could have serious consequences for critically ill patients and those requiring emergency treatment. According to the institute, any disruption within the hospital premises affects not only routine medical services but also emergency response operations that are essential for saving lives. In a separate statement issued on Tuesday, RIMS strongly condemned the use of mock bombs and smoke bombs inside the hospital campus during the protest. The institute described the incident as a serious disruption to healthcare services and expressed concern over the impact such actions could have on patients, medical staff and visitors.
Hospital officials said healthcare institutions must remain safe and secure spaces where medical professionals can perform their duties without interference and patients can receive treatment without fear or disruption. The protests reportedly centred on questions regarding the security arrangements provided to the injured youths. Some protesters also drew comparisons with issues related to civilian movement through Kuki-majority areas in Kangpokpi district, leading to heightened tensions around the hospital. The incident has once again highlighted the challenges faced by healthcare institutions operating amid sensitive security situations. While authorities worked to contain the unrest, hospital officials reiterated that medical institutions should not become venues for political or social confrontations.
