Doctors, nurses and other paramedics at the J.N. Institute of Medical Sciences here began a strike on Thursday protesting against threats at gunpoint and consequent panic caused by a Manipur legislator in a ward on Wednesday night. A hospital spokesperson said the ceasework would continue until the guilty were punished.
In Wednesday’s incident, it is said a 36-year-old woman was being administered a drip. When the first bottle was finished, a nurse removed the needle from the patient and tried to administer another bottle of drip. However, her husband raised objections, saying it could be done without removing the needle. A heated exchange of words ensued.
Thereafter, the man, Mohammad Allauddin, who is close to the MLA, summoned him. The legislator, who along with his armed guards rushed to the hospital, threatened nurses and patients in the ward at gun point, alleged the striking doctors and nurses. The MLA was present in the ward for a long time demanding immediate discharge of the patient, said the protesters who, however, refused to name him. The doctors and nurses refrained from work from early morning, much to the inconvenience of patients, most of whom have to go to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, located about 5 km away.
