Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, December 27
Patients across Himachal Pradesh faced serious difficulties on Saturday after resident doctors began an indefinite strike, intensifying a standoff with the state government over the dismissal of a senior doctor accused in a scuffle with a patient. Outpatient departments (OPDs), routine services and elective surgeries were suspended at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla and at government hospitals and medical colleges across the state. Only emergency services continued, forcing many patients to struggle for basic medical care.
The strike went ahead despite talks with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who had assured doctors of a fair inquiry into the incident. Resident doctors said the assurance failed to meet their key demand — the immediate withdrawal of the termination order against senior resident doctor Raghav Narula. Disruption to services had already been visible on Friday, when hospitals reported overcrowding, confusion and long queues outside OPDs. Many patients were turned away without treatment, while several planned surgeries were postponed, raising concerns about patient safety and delays in ongoing care.
The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) said it had formally informed hospital administrations about the indefinite strike. It said discussions with the chief minister at Oak Over in Shimla focused on hospital security lapses, the circumstances surrounding the dismissal and alleged threats during the incident. However, doctors said they remained unconvinced that their concerns would be addressed.
The dispute dates back to December 22, when a patient from Chopal subdivision was involved in a heated argument with a doctor at IGMC that later turned physical. A video of the incident circulated widely on social media, prompting a government inquiry. Based on preliminary findings and video evidence, the state government terminated Dr Narula’s services on December 24, citing violations of service conduct rules.
Resident doctors argue the decision was premature. They are also demanding an independent investigation into alleged violence, damage to hospital property and threats made during the incident, warning that the strike will continue until their demands are met.
With no immediate resolution in sight, health officials fear that prolonged disruption could further strain Himachal Pradesh’s public healthcare system, leaving patients to bear the brunt of the deadlock.
