Newmai News Network Imphal | July 28 Manipur Governor, Dr Najma Heptulla today inaugurated 80 bedded ‘Ladies Hostel No. 4’ at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal. Addressing the gathering, Dr Heptulla said the addition of the hostel is a significant event in the history of the institute. Stating that she came for the inauguration to encourage the students in their pursuit of excellence, the Governor said RIMS has done the nation a great service by producing many young doctors and specialists contributing substantially to the healthcare system. Meanwhile, she expressed regret over reports of patients complaining against poor service of doctors, malfunctioning of life-saving equipments and non-availability of essential drugs. Reports of patients being referred to private hospitals and clinics for further treatment, she stated, is unfortunate. The facilities and services available at RIMS and other government hospitals should be better than the private hospitals and clinics, Dr Heptulla added. Maintaining that she is an ardent advocate for a good healthcare system in the State especially in the remote rural and hill areas, the Governor said she vigorously pursued with the Central Government for implementing the ‘Flying Doctor’ concept. ‘Air Dispensary’ is going to be a reality soon and this medical outreach will be in operation in the rural and hill areas of the State, she added. Taking note of the hardships of medical students especially the women due to non-availability of sufficient hostel facilities, she said the newly inaugurated women hostel accommodating around 80 students will be a great relief. She further appealed to the young medical students to take advantage of the health revolution that is taking place in the world and make best use of the opportunities that have been given to them by the Institute. She also advised the students to work hard as much as they can and dream big to do great things in future. Patients are your priority and you should care for them with love, affection and devotion, she urged. Appreciating the current management and staff of RIMS for taking such initiatives for the welfare of the emerging professionals, the Governor said that the students need to be looked after properly so that they can excel in their chosen field. She also asked the director of the institute to make arrangement to improve the road connectivity inside the campus which is in deplorable condition. The Governor also expressed dismay over the trend of uploading photographs of injured or people in distress in the social media. She said that time taken in uploading the photographs of the injured or people in distress can be utilised in giving first aid which may save the precious lives. She appealed that the media must play an active role in discouraging and condemning the trend. Prof. A. Santa Singh, Director, RIMS said that RIMS hospital in its 46 years of service to the people of the State needs replacement of the medical equipments with modern and advanced equipments, buildings needed renovation and expansion. There is a need for increase in the budgetary allocation for RIMS, which produces nearly 150 Post Graduate doctors every year and having 1100 beds, it was stated. He added that despite the constraints, RIMS, Imphal is complementing government effort of reducing the maternal and child mortality rate and furthermore control the spread of preventable diseases.
