RIMS belies trust

IMPHAL, Feb 17: The tall claims of those in authority to make RIMS at par with AIMS sounds hollow if one takes cognizance of the non-functional ultrasound machine and absence of separate Gynae Operation Theatre in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ward have been causing severe inconvenience to patients.Speaking at a discussion programme on child health held in the complex of Women and Child Development ashram at Changangei Uchekon today, Associate Professor of RIMS Dr S Randhoni disclosed that ultrasound machine of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department has not been functioning for the last 5/6 years. Observing that non-functional ultrasound machine has been causing immense inconvenience to patients admitted in RIMS, Dr Randhoni said that patients are compelled to go outside the institute to take ultrasound which is essential in most cases of child delivery and related medical examinations.Besides the financial burden faced by poor patients, taking ultrasound outside RIMS causes great hardships at times of emergency, she noted. Another major problem faced by patients is the absence of a separate OT for the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department. With the general OT occupied most of the time for emergency cases like bullet/bomb injuries, the OT was not available when situation demands surgical operation for child delivery, she said.Unavailability of OT in such situations put both the mother and child at great risks. To redress these problems, the department has repeatedly approached the RIMS authority to make the ultrasound machine functional and also to open a separate OT for the department, Dr Randhoni said.Informing that around 1000 children are born in the hospital in a month on the average, she said that 30 percent of these child delivery cases need operation.The discussion programme held under the aegis of the Manipur State Commission for Women was also participated by MSCW Chairperson Dr Ch Jamini, former Director of Family Welfare Dr Th Biren, Additional Director dr H Ibemhal, Joint Director Dr Y Ibechoubi and Imphal East District Welfare officer Dr Momota Mukherjee.Dr Y Ibechoubi said that only 60 percent of children can be immunised in Manipur. She noted the importance of giving health awareness to the people so that women and children can enjoy all health care facilities.Dr Jamini said that necessary recommendations would be forwarded to the relevant authority to redress the problems plaguing Obstetrics and Gynaecology department of RIMS.