In Manipur, Dr Peningry Warngam Tongsin works as a Medical Doctor with Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF), providing treatment for HIV, tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis C, and co–infections. Working with MSF has transformed her understanding of healthcare delivery in remote regions with limited access to medical services.
A Journey Inspired by Compassion
Dr Peningry’s path to humanitarian medicine began early in life. “I was influenced by my mother who is a nurse,” she explains. “I used to go with her in the field in rural areas where doctors were not available when I was young and saw the needs for Doctor.” These formative experiences built her commitment to provide care in underserved communities.
During high school, she learned about MSF and its humanitarian work in resource-limited regions, sparking her interest about the organisation. After completing her MBBS, Dr Peningry worked in supporting hard to reach communities in rural area, gaining firsthand understanding of healthcare challenges in remote areas.
Facing Challenges with Resilience
The challenges Dr Peningry faces go far beyond medicine. She recalls meeting a 14–year–old boy with advanced HIV. “He could not get timely access to care. We faced difficulties in referring him to a specialized facility,” she explains.
Despite these obstacles, Dr Peningry and her team found a way to refer the boy to a hospital with additional resources. While his condition initially improved, he later developed penicilliosis, a fungal infection common in advanced HIV cases, and passed away shortly after treatment began.
“It was deeply unfortunate that timely access to specialized care wasn’t possible,” reflects Dr Peningry. This experience emphasized what it means to go beyond prescribing medicine and address the many challenges that come with providing healthcare in complex settings.
Growth Through Service
Her experience with MSF has also her commitment to advocacy. “I have gained a lot during my time with MSF. But one thing I can mention is that I have learnt to be the voice of the community and patients,” she shares.
Dr Peningry’s story highlights the reality of providing healthcare in remote areas. Despite the difficulties, she remains committed to her mission: “I will continue to serve people as an empathetic and compassionate doctor wherever my service is needed and never stop learning.”
On this National Doctor’s Day, MSF acknowledges the dedication of healthcare professionals like Dr Peningry, who bring care and hope to communities with limited healthcare access.
MSF started providing specialized care for HIV and TB in Manipur in 2005 and 2007 respectively. At our clinics located in Chakpikarong and Moreh, MSF provides free, high-quality screening, diagnosis and treatment for HIV, TB, hepatitis C, and co–infections. treatment for drug–resistant TB causes significant side effects, MSF provides pre and post–test adherence counselling to help patients successfully complete their treatment regimen. Our health education teams also raise awareness about testing and treatment options. Additionally, MSF also treats patients with hepatitis C infection at an opioid substitution therapy centre in Moreh, and provides treatment to partners of co-infected patients.
