IMPHAL, August 17: The Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences may be compelled to close down, if the present trend of disrupting medical staff by bandh supporters continues unchecked, JNIM director Prof L Deben informed media persons today.
Deploring that free movement of staff of the hospital including doctors, nurses, operation theatre staff, attendants, etc have been seriously disturbed by bandh supporters of the ongoing movement in the State, Deben strongly appealed to the public to allow free passage to the medical staff so that they could discharge their duties properly.
Addressing a press conference today at the JNIMS hospital, Prof L Deben informed the media that if such inconveniences and disturbances continue, the hospital may be compelled to shut down or cease operation for some time since the staff are wary of facing the harassments.
He continued on August 16 (Sunday) afternoon around 2, four doctors of the hospital commuting in an ambulance were hurled many verbal abuses and were also detained by bandh supporters at Tiddim Road, Singjamei-Langthabal-Lilong.
A lady doctor was also asked to get down from an ambulance some four days back at Tellipati and walk the distance on foot, he added.
Doctors, nurses and the other staff of the hospital are serving the people, providing 24×7 services and not having fun, he said.
The hospital along with the local organisations has also been operating `Relief Committee, JNIMS` since August 5 especially for those hurt or injured during the public movement, he said.
Meanwhile, the Churachandpur District Students Union in a press release signed by its information and publicity secretary has also strongly condemned an alleged attack on an ambulance of the Kuki Khanglai Lompi GHQ on August 14 by bandh supporters.
It said essential services like media, medical staff, water supply etc are exempted from the purview of the bandh.