Death after childbirth triggers violence at JNIMS

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Apr 6 : Police fired tear gas shells to disperse an irate mob who vandalised properties at JNIMS Hospital Administrative Block yesterday around midnight following the death of a woman after childbirth.
The 25 year old woman had given birth to a baby boy at the hospital on the morning of April 4 and passed away on the night of April 5.
According to family members of the victim, Pebam Matouleibi, w/o Pe-bam Dineshor of Hiyanglam Hirangmei, was admitted to the hospital on April 2.
On the morning of April 4, she gave birth to a boy through Cesarean Section and was subsequently moved to the general ward.
Later the same day, she was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit for treatment as her health started deteriorating.
When family members approached the doctors to enquire about Matouleibi's health condition, they were informed that she has been kept in observation with doctors monitoring her.
Later in the evening yesterday, family members were informed that another surgery is required to remove blood coalesced in the CS operation area.
However, around 7.30 pm they were told of Matouleibi's passing.
Alleging negligence from the doctors on duty and other staff, angry locals from the victim's side stormed JNIMS Hospital Complex late last night and demanded action against the doctors and staff concerned.
The protest intensified after more angry locals gathered at the hospital complex and marched towards JNIMS Administration Block with their demand.
Police personnel present at the hospital attempted to stop the crowd from proceeding which resulted in a confrontation. The security personnel were outnumbered and the mob forcefully stormed the Administration Block.
They broke down the iron shutter at the main entrance of the Administration Block and vandalised different chambers of the hospital and other properties.
In order to bring the situation under control, security personnel were forced to fire gas shells to disperse the irate mob.
The situation was later brought under control past midnight, with some individuals being detained by the police temporarily.
Due to the incident, some programs scheduled for today at JNIMS Hospital were also cancelled.
On the other hand, an understanding has been reached between family members of the victim and the hospital authority and the dead body has been claimed for last rites, according to a reliable source.