AHPI Manipur has condemned attacks on ambulances, obstruction of medical transport and harassment of healthcare workers during ongoing unrest, warning that continued disruptions could trigger systemic breakdown of essential healthcare services across the state.
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IMPHAL — The Association of Healthcare Providers India (AHPI), Manipur Chapter, has raised serious concern over disruptions to healthcare delivery amid ongoing disturbances, citing attacks on ambulances, obstruction of emergency transport and harassment of medical personnel.
In a statement issued Monday, AHPI Manipur said incidents such as the use of tear gas within hospital premises and interference with patient transport represent “a grave violation of humanitarian principles” and directly endanger lives.
The body strongly condemned attacks on ambulances, obstruction of healthcare workers in transit, and instances of verbal abuse, intimidation and physical harassment. It emphasised that hospitals must remain neutral and protected spaces at all times, warning that any interference undermines the core functioning of healthcare systems.
“Continued disruptions risk a systemic breakdown of healthcare delivery in the state.”
Highlighting the on-ground impact, AHPI Manipur said critically ill patients are facing life-threatening delays due to disrupted emergency services. Healthcare workers, it noted, are operating under extreme stress and insecurity, while essential services including emergency care, intensive care support and surgeries are being significantly affected.
The organisation appealed to all stakeholders, civil society organisations and communities to respect the neutrality of healthcare services and ensure zero tolerance toward obstruction or harassment of medical personnel. It also urged law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could endanger patients or healthcare workers within hospital premises.
Further, AHPI Manipur called on the Manipur government to take immediate measures to guarantee safe movement of ambulances and healthcare workers, provide adequate security to healthcare institutions, and establish protected healthcare corridors during periods of unrest.
Describing healthcare as a service that transcends ethnic, political and social divisions, AHPI Manipur said safeguarding medical services is a collective responsibility, especially during crises.
