Healthcare, supply chains affected in Manipur as Meiteis refuse to lift blockade

The scarcity of essential items and medicines resulting from the ongoing civil conflict in Manipur has created an environment of desperation among the residents of the northeastern state. While the Kukis, in response to the Centre’s call, lifted a blockade along National Highway 2—which serves as the “lifeline” for those living in the Imphal valley—the Meiteis have continued to maintain their blockade, preventing supplies from reaching Churachandpur, the largest district in the state with a significant Kuki population.
The district is home to around four lakh people while another 10,000 displaced people are living in the relief camps set up in the district. The shortage of doctors, particularly surgeons, has reached critical levels. Essential medical treatments, including dialysis, cancer and anti-AIDS drugs remain out of reach for those in need. “We really need doctors during this prevailing situation. We still need more senior doctors, senior surgeons and cardiothoracic surgeons, and of course, if possible, we would be really grateful if the government could send us a heart surgeon and a cardiologist, to deal with all these bullet injuries and tackle the complicated cases of blood injuries,” Dr Tinglonlei, Medical Superintendent, Churachandpur District Hospital, said. Up until Saturday, the hospital, the only facility for the district’s population, has treated 288 bullet injuries since violence broke out in the region. In the absence of a facility for dialysis, the well-off have already shifted to Aizwal, but the poor have no such option.
The Centre sent six teams of doctors to Manipur after Home Minister Amit Shah visited the violence-hit state in May. “We are really grateful that two doctors were sent to Churachandpur from the AIIMS, Guwahati last month. But we need specialists for chronic diseases,” Dr Tinglonlei said. He added that the hospital needs medicines and surgical items as well. The situation is further compounded by the sporadic gunfights being reported on a daily basis in the Churachandpur-Bishnupur region, leading to injuries and casualties. Health facilities have also worsened in Tengnoupal and Chandel districts as the supply of essential commodities has been affected due to restrictions imposed on the Asian Highway in the valley areas. The impact extends beyond healthcare as the local population is also bearing the brunt of the skyrocketing prices and rampant inflation caused by the blockade. “We are paying more than Rs 250 for a tray of eggs. The rates have doubled since May. Similarly, the price of mustard leaves has increased to Rs 50 from Rs 20-25. Prices of all household items have more than doubled,” a resident said. According to a local vendor, the blockade has resulted in exorbitant transportation costs and significant delays in receiving essential provisions.