RIMS' 77th Republic Day Celebration: A Significant Moment for Northeast India's Healthcare Sector
The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, recently celebrated the 77th Republic Day with a fervor that symbolized the institution's unwavering commitment to serving the people of Manipur and the Northeast region. The event, held on 26th January 2026, was marked by patriotic zeal and a renewed pledge to uphold the values of democracy, justice, and equality.
Reflections on the Past Year and Achievements
In his address to the gathering, the Director of RIMS, Prof. G. Sunil Kumar Sharma, highlighted the institution's significant achievements over the past year. These included nearly five lakh Outpatient Department (OPD) visits, over 54,000 inpatient admissions, expansion of surgical services, and strengthening of super-specialty departments such as Neurosurgery, Cardiovascular Surgery, and Pediatric Surgery.
One of the most notable achievements was RIMS' completion of one year as a Centre of Excellence for Rare Diseases, the first such center in the North East. This initiative has provided financial assistance up to Rs. 50 lakh to eligible patients, a crucial step towards improving healthcare access for those battling rare diseases.
Academic and Infrastructural Developments
Prof. Sharma also shared updates on academic and infrastructural developments at RIMS. These include the enhancement of postgraduate seats, proposed Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) courses, initiatives towards National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) and National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accreditation, the new OPD Hub, construction of a 150-bedded Critical Care Block, and long-term campus redevelopment plans.
Looking Forward: Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat @2047
As RIMS moves forward, Prof. Sharma emphasized the need for all staff to uphold compassion, integrity, and ethical medical practice in line with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat @2047. This vision, part of India's broader development strategy, aims to make the country self-reliant and prosperous by 2047, the 100th year of India's independence.
For the North East region, which often faces challenges in healthcare infrastructure and access, the strides made by institutions like RIMS are a beacon of hope. As RIMS continues to grow and evolve, it is expected to play a crucial role in improving healthcare services in the region and contributing to India's overall development goals.
A Celebration Filled with Patriotic Spirit
The celebration concluded with patriotic song performances by students and the distribution of sweets to patients in hospital wards by the Medical Superintendent in the presence of Heads of Departments. The event served as a reminder of RIMS' dedication to serving the community and its commitment to the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution.