In a world where medical advancements often bypass remote regions, Shija Hospital’s story is a measuring rod of excellence and a reminder that visionary care knows no boundaries.
By Keisham Donny
In the turbulent 1990s, as Manipur grappled with socio-political unrest, a quiet revolution was unfolding in its healthcare landscape. Shija Hospitals and Research Centre emerged as a beacon of innovation, introducing laparoscopic surgery—commonly known as “keyhole surgery”—to the region. Nearly three decades later, the hospital continues to set the gold standard for minimally invasive procedures, not just in Manipur but across India and Southeast Asia.
A Vision Born from Personal Struggle
The story of Shija’s pioneering journey begins with Dr. Sorokhaibam Jugindro, a surgeon whose resolve was forged in personal adversity. In 1994, Dr. Jugindro faced the daunting task of arranging his mother’s gallbladder surgery via laparoscopic techniques—a procedure then unavailable in Manipur. He travelled over 3,000 kilometres to Calicut Medical College in Kerala, an experience he describes as a “wake-up call.”
“Whatever isn’t here is an opportunity to develop,” Dr. Jugindro recalls, reflecting on his determination to bring advanced surgical care to his homeland. By May 10, 1996, just two years later, he achieved this vision. Alongside Dr. Purnenda Roy of Kolkata, he performed Manipur’s first laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) at Shija, using equipment procured from Germany’s Leisegang company.
Redefining Surgery: Precision, Recovery, and Transparency
Keyhole surgery, a global breakthrough since German surgeon Erich Mühe’s first laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 1985, arrived late to India. Dr. Tehemton Udwadia performed the nation’s first such surgery in Mumbai in 1989, with Kolkata following in 1992. But in Manipur, Shija Hospital became the trailblazer.
Dr. Jugindro emphasizes the transformative benefits of laparoscopy: smaller incisions mean less pain, minimal blood loss, faster recovery, and reduced scarring. “Patients can resume normal diets within days,” he explains. “Even vegetable vendors at Imphal’s Ima Keithel market can return to work the next day.”
For surgeons, the advantages are equally profound. Laparoscopy offers 20-40x magnification, enabling precision unmatched by open surgery. Real-time projections of procedures onto large screens allow entire teams—surgeons, nurses, and trainees—to observe and collaborate transparently. “Everyone sees everything at once,” says Dr. Jugindro, noting reduced risks of bloodborne pathogen exposure and enhanced teamwork under strict medical ethics.
A Legacy of Innovation
Shija’s milestones read like a timeline of medical advancement. On February 7, 1997, it installed Harmonic Scalpel (from the USA), first in Asian Subcontinent, enabling bloodless cutting and coagulation. By 1997, Laparoscopic-assisted hysterectomy was performed with Dr. Sisir Bhattacharya, a US-based gynaecologist.
Over 42,000 surgeries have been conducted to date, including complex procedures rare elsewhere in India, thanks to cutting-edge global technology.
The hospital has also become an academic hub. Dr. Jugindro, now National Director of the AMASI Safe Lapchole Program, trains surgeons across India and abroad. Shija has hosted live workshops at ASIMANICON (2002, 2011, 2024) and trained two surgeons and six nurses from Myanmar. Junior surgeons even use platforms like WhatsApp for real-time guidance from seniors—a testament to how laparoscopy has revolutionized medical education and telementoring.
Beyond clinical excellence, Shija’s keyhole surgery model has eased economic burdens. Shorter hospital stays free up beds and reduce costs—savings estimated in crores compared to open surgery or out-of-state treatment. “Attendants no longer need prolonged leave, minimizing opportunity costs for families,” Dr. Jugindro adds.
Measuring Rod for Excellence and the Road Ahead
Despite success, challenges persist. Socio-political instability in Manipur, limited digital infrastructure for medical records, and the global race toward robotic and AI-assisted surgery loom large. Dr. Jugindro envisions a “Silicon Valley of Healthcare” in the region to foster innovation. “We aim to pioneer robotic surgery next,” he says, advocating for policy support to position Manipur as a medical tourism hub.
From its humble beginnings in a conflict-ridden era to its current stature, Shija Hospitals embodies resilience and innovation. As Dr. Jugindro aptly states, “Progress is about taking one step at a time.” For thousands of patients across borders, those steps have meant the difference between pain and recovery, between uncertainty and hope. In a world where medical advancements often bypass remote regions, Shija’s story is a measuring rod of excellence and a reminder that visionary care knows no boundaries.