Imphal, Dec. 24: The new director of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) today cracked the whip against dereliction of duty by the medical staff and private practice by doctors.

Dr L. Fimate, who assumed charge on Monday as the new director, told the doctors to pay attention to their duties at the RIMS during a meeting with the heads of departments today.

He said action would be taken against those doctors who would continue to work in private clinics and hospitals.

In the past, RIMS authorities had issued circulars to the doctors to stop private practice, but the orders had been flaunted.

Absence of doctors at the hospital often led to conflicts between patient parties and the medical staff.

Dr Fimate said he would focus on bringing quality medical education and improving healthcare. He said telemedicine system has been installed in the hospital and would be formally opened very soon.

There are plans to open a dental college, a nursing institute and upgrade the forensic medicine department to get the status of a deemed university. Moreover, 49 computers have been procured to network all the departments, Dr Fimate said.

The former director-in-charge Y. Ibotomba Singh took voluntary retirement on the day Dr Fimate assumed charge.

Ibotomba Singh said his retirement had nothing to do with the new appointment. The resignation was on health grounds, he added.