NEIGRIHMS turmoil: KSU locks Director’s office; demands Dr Thappa’s removal
SHILLONG | May 13, 2019:
The members of the Khasi Students' Union (KSU today locked the office of NEIGRIHMS Director, Dr D.M. Thappa even as demanding the removal of the director for the overall interest of the institute.
The KSU members gathered at the administrative block of NEIGRIHMS to protest against the stand-off between the director and HOD of Cardiology department, Dr Animesh Mishra, which had brought the functioning of the Cardiology department of the premier health institute to a standstill.
"The Government should immediately remove the present director for the overall welfare of NEIGRIHMS. The Centre should take immediate steps to put an end to the prevailing impasse in the institute," KSU president Lambokstar Margar said while talking to reporters.
The KSU president also accused the Dr. Thappa of playing with the lives of the patients adding that the person who acts like a 'dictator' should not be allowed to remain in the institute.
Meanwhile, the magistrate and senior police officials reached the institute to open the office of the director which was locked by the protesters. The police arrived after the protesters had left. Superintendent of Police, City, Steve Rynjah said the police have taken suo moto action in this regard and security cover of NEIGRIHMS has been upped.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya High Court today directed the HOD of Cardiology Department, Dr Animesh Mishra to file an affidavit by giving a detailed account on the case of 55-year-old woman from Mawphlang village, who died on the night of May 12.
"The Head of Cardiology Department shall file an affidavit wherein in a chronological manner, it must be stated as to how the 55-year-old woman was taken care of from 05-05-2019 when she was admitted in the Cardiology Department right up to her death with supporting proof," the court stated in its order.
Terming the incident as 'unfortunate', the court stated that in the process of working out a lasting solution to the problem and to meet urgent surgeries, nothing positive has been done, as a result whereof a 55-year-old lady lost her life who had developed complicacies for want of immediate surgical intervention, that too according to the Cardiology Department for lack of surgical items.
Meanwhile, the court stated that another affidavit shall be filed by the HOD of Cardiology department wherein it shall be item wise indicated as to whether the decisions as were taken in the High Level Meeting headed by the Additional Chief Secretary were followed in letter and spirit.
The HOD of Cardiology department told the court that at present 19 patients are waiting for surgery, requisite items are to be made available from today so that the Cardiology Department will be able to perform surgeries.
"The HOD of Cardiology department assisted by Dr. Amit Malvia made it clear that infact no actual surgery was performed, however, only diagnostic emergency was carried out.
"It is their submission that Amrit Pharmacy did not provide the stock required and even though Amrit representative had assured for making available the surgical items and kits within 4-5 hours, that too has not happened in support whereof a letter was sent wherein the technical staff has made clear as to how items were not supplied, as a result whereof surgeries were totally hampered," the court stated.
The court has fixed the hearing on the PIL filed by prominent city lawyer, SP Mahanta on May 16.
