State-run JNIMS Lacks Basic Amenities: RTI Reveals Absence of Breastfeeding Room, Disabled-Friendly Facilities
Post published on Sun, 02 November, 2025 HEADLINE 13
Imphal, November 2 (Wayel Kati): A Right to Information (RTI) query has revealed that the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), one of Manipur’s largest state-run hospitals, lacks several essential facilities for patients, including a dedicated breastfeeding room for lactating mothers.
The information was disclosed in response to an RTI filed by Sanjenbam Anand Meitei of Kwakeithel Moirangpurel Leikai, Imphal West.
In the RTI reply, JNIMS Director Professor L. Usharani stated that the hospital does not have a separate utility washroom for differently-abled patients. The reply further revealed that there is no separate casualty service for bedridden patients suffering from non-communicable diseases or for senior citizens.
Regarding the supply of medicines under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PMJAY), the director explained that the drugs are supplied by the National Health Agency through the State Health Agency. When asked about rooms with air-conditioning facilities, it was clarified that there are no air-conditioned rooms in the entire institute.
The RTI also enquired whether any corpus fund had been sanctioned under PMJAY. The reply stated that no such fund has been released till date. Additionally, it was revealed that no amount has been sanctioned for construction or repair works at JNIMS and the Directorate of Health Services, Lamphelpat, between 2018 and September 28, 2025.
On the availability of ambulances, the institute informed that JNIMS has only four ambulances and that not every patient is provided access to the service. Furthermore, the RTI highlighted that no major medical or diagnostic equipment — including computers, cameras, CCTV systems, ICU and OT machines, electric items, ultrasound and ECG units, radiology equipment, CT scan machines, blood testing devices, or X-ray systems — has been purchased under the PMJAY scheme.
The revelations have raised concerns among the public regarding basic patient care infrastructure in one of the state’s key healthcare institutions.