The North News
Shimla, December 25
Doctors in Himachal Pradesh have warned of a state-wide strike after alleging repeated incidents of violence, intimidation and security lapses at the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla.
The Himachal Medical Officers’ Association (HMOA) said its executive body met on Thursday unanimously supported the demands raised by the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA), IGMC Shimla. The meeting was attended by district-level office bearers and representatives of the association’s state units.
In a press statement, the association said senior officials of the RDA and the Central Services Association (CSA) had submitted a memorandum to the IGMC Principal on Wednesday, outlining a series of concerns related to staff safety and hospital security.
Key demands
The doctors’ body has demanded the immediate withdrawal of suspension orders issued against Dr Raghav, calling the action “unjustified”.
It also raised concerns over threats to the life and dignity of doctors, alleging that an individual named Naresh had threatened Dr Raghav with dire consequences. The association has sought the registration of an FIR and strict legal action under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions related to criminal intimidation and attempt to cause harm.
The statement further alleged that a mob entered the IGMC campus and created panic, putting healthcare workers at risk and disrupting routine hospital services. Doctors said such incidents have severely affected the working environment and patient care.
The association also claimed that public property was damaged during the incident and demanded action against those responsible, in accordance with the law.
Security concerns
Highlighting serious security gaps, the HMOA said the lack of adequate CCTV cameras and security personnel at IGMC had contributed to the incident. It demanded an immediate audit of hospital security arrangements and accountability for earlier lapses.
Strike warning
The association said the Resident Doctors’ Association has decided to proceed on a two-day collective casual leave (CCL) on 26 December. Doctors also plan to meet Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at 9:45 am on Friday to press their demands.
If no action is taken within the stipulated time, the HMOA warned that doctors would be forced to escalate their protest from 27 December, beginning at 9:30 am. During any agitation, only emergency services would remain operational, the statement added.
The association said future steps would be decided in coordination with the Resident Doctors’ Association, depending on the government’s response.
