SHILLONG: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) central body on Monday shut down the office of the Director of NEIGRIHMS, Dr DM Thappa, and asked him to leave immediately.
KSU leaders along with over 50 members shouted slogans against the Director outside his office. A few of the leaders entered the office and on not finding the director, locked it up.
Addressing the press on Monday outside the NEIGRIHMS Administrative Block, KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngar said, “The loss of life at NEIGRIHMS reveals his barbaric character. We condemn this attitude and demand that the director leave the hospital immediately.”
He went on to add that the union will intensify its agitation if the Director refuses to vacate his post.
Criticising the Director for the crippled system, he said the state and central governments have been apprised of the matter.
Branding the Director a murderer, he said anyone who assumes charge of the hospital should give best service to the patients.
“The Director should be held responsible for any loss of life in the hospital. Previously, many doctors have resigned due to the disorder in the hospital,” he said adding that the state government should intervene.
KSU general secretary Donald Thabah said the union received information of the death of the patient due to the problems in Cardiology department from Khatar Shnong.
The union fixed an appointment with the Director to apprise him of the death of the patient from Khatar Shnong, but he did not entertain them.
He said, “We made an appointment twice. We understood that he will not meet us so we decided to keep his office under lock and key.”
On the other hand, Marngar said the union will write to the central government demanding the removal of Thappa.
Asked whether any ultimatum has been issued, Thabah said, “This (the locking down of the office) is the ultimatum.”