The Teachers’ Association of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (TA-JNIMS) has released its first White Paper titled “Healthcare Governance, Medical Education and Institutional Excellence in Manipur,” highlighting several challenges affecting the functioning and administration of JNIMS Hospital, Porompat.

Speaking to media at Manipur Press Club on Wednesday, TA-JNIMS General Secretary Pahel Meitei Soibam said the absence of a regular Director and communication gaps among doctors, patients and the public have contributed to difficulties in healthcare delivery at the state run institute. The association alleged that shortages of essential equipment at various departments of the hospital and medicines are affecting patient care and creating difficult working conditions for doctors.

TA-JNIMS also expressed concern over the appointment of a bureaucratic officer as Director-in-Charge following the completion of the previous Director’s tenure. The association claimed that the absence of a regular Director has affected several important administrative and academic functions of the institute. The association further alleged that doctors and employees have not been receiving their salaries properly despite the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission, while financial constraints have also affected the overall functioning of JNIMS.

According to TA-JNIMS, the White Paper No.1 has been brought out to document the challenges facing the institute and initiate discussion on reforms in healthcare governance, medical education and institutional administration. The association said it plans to raise further issues and propose measures aimed at improving the functioning of JNIMS and strengthening healthcare services in Manipur.