Manipur woefully short of docs, blockade continues

July 10, 2023 15:43

The PM has neither visited Manipur nor spoken about the situation

The scarcity of essential items and medicines due to the ongoing civil conflict in Manipur has created an environment of desperation and vulnerability among the residents of the northeastern state.

While the Kukis, in response to the Centre's call, have lifted a blockade along National Highway 2, which serves as the "lifeline" for those living in the Imphal valley, the Meiteis have steadfastly maintained their blockade, preventing any supply from reaching Churachandpur, the largest district in the state with a significant Kuki population.

Churachandpur is home to around four lakh people. Another 10,000 displaced people are living in the relief camps set up in the district. The shortage of doctors, particularly surgeons, has reached critical levels. The consequences are dire as essential medical treatments, including dialysis, and medicines for cancer and anti-AIDS drugs remain out of reach for those in desperate need.

"We really need doctors during this prevailing situation. We still need more senior doctors, senior surgeons and cardiothoracic surgeons, and of course, if possible, we would be really grateful if the government could send us a heart surgeon, a cardiologist, to deal with all these bullet injuries and tackle the complicated cases of blood injuries," Dr Tinglonlei, Medical Superintendent, Churachandpur District Hospital, told PTI.

The hospital, the lone big facility for a population of about four lakh, had treated 288 bullet injuries till Saturday since ethnic clashes broke out in the region. In the absence of a facility for dialysis, the well-off have already shifted to Aizwal, while the poor have no such option.

The Centre sent six teams of doctors to Manipur after Home Minister Amit Shah visited the violence-hit state in May.

"We are really grateful that two doctors were sent to Churachandpur from the AIIMS, Guwahati last month. But we need specialists for chronic diseases," Dr Tinglonlei said. He added that the hospital needs medicines and surgical items as well. -- PTI

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