Medical Ethics Under Fire: Meira Paibi Demands Regulation of Private Practice by Govt Doctors
The family of Loukrakpam Debala, an eight-month pregnant woman who passed away on February 10 due to alleged medical negligence at Hillside Hospital, has taken her body home for the last rites but made it clear that they have not reconciled with the hospital. Determined to seek justice, the family, along with local clubs and Meira Paibis, has vowed to take the matter to court.
A press meet was held yesterday at Khoyathong Polem Leikai, where the victim’s husband, Ngangbam Bharat, addressed the media. He stated that after discussions with seven Leikais, their Meira Paibis, clubs, and family members, they decided to bring Debala’s body home. The decision was influenced by the upcoming Lamta Thangja, a significant time in the Meitei lunar calendar, as they needed to complete the necessary rituals to prevent any ominous incidents from befalling the family or the locality. However, Bharat stressed that taking the body home did not mean they had reached a settlement with Hillside Hospital, which they hold responsible for Debala’s death. He reaffirmed that they would continue their fight until justice is served.
Bharat further revealed that on February 15, a memorandum had been submitted to the Governor of Manipur, the Chief Secretary, and Health Services officials, demanding a thorough investigation into Hillside Hospital. The memorandum urged authorities to revoke the hospital’s license and take strict action against those responsible for Debala’s death. However, despite the submission, there has been no positive response from the authorities, and the police have failed to take significant action. Dissatisfied with the lack of progress, the family has now decided to move the case to court to ensure a proper trial and justice for Debala.
At the press meet, Konsam Rina Devi, Co-Convenor of the Khoyathong Apunba Meira Paibi, strongly criticized the practice of government doctors working simultaneously in private hospitals. She pointed out that such a system endangers lives, as doctors struggle to balance their responsibilities in both sectors.
She urged authorities to strictly regulate doctors, ensuring that those employed in government hospitals do not engage in private practice. According to her, such dual employment compromises patient care and leads to medical negligence, as seen in Debala’s tragic case. “Doctors should commit to either government or private hospitals instead of juggling both,” she said, emphasizing the need for strict monitoring and enforcement in the healthcare sector.
The tragic death of Loukrakpam Debala has ignited growing concerns over medical negligence and healthcare ethics in Manipur. While her family and the local community continue their fight for justice, the case also highlights the urgent need for government intervention in regulating the dual employment of doctors to prevent such tragedies in the future.