SHIMLA – Doctors across Himachal Pradesh initiated an indefinite strike on Saturday, severely impacting medical services statewide. The strike, led by resident doctors, protests the termination of Dr. Raghav Narula following a physical altercation with a patient.
Only emergency services remain operational in several government hospitals, including Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Shimla. Routine services, elective operations, and outpatient departments are closed.
Patients Face Significant Disruption
Patients, particularly those from remote regions, face considerable difficulties. Krishan Singh Thakur, traveling 125 kilometres from Ani to Shimla for his father’s treatment, stated, “No doctors are available due to the strike, and we are facing inconvenience.”
Adding to patient troubles are peak winter cold and limited accommodation in Shimla due to New Year tourist rush. Another patient’s attendant, Dasvi Ram, reported his wife’s MRI was delayed due to the strike. Patients and their families urge prompt resolution from both government and doctors.
Strike Triggered by Doctor’s Termination
The indefinite strike follows the Himachal Pradesh government’s decision on Wednesday to terminate Dr. Raghav Narula’s services. Narula, a resident doctor, was allegedly involved in a physical fight with patient Arjun Singh on Monday.
The confrontation occurred in the pulmonary ward of IGMC. A video of the incident circulated, showing Dr. Narula punching the patient, who appeared to attempt kicking the doctor.
Conflicting Accounts of Altercation
Patient Arjun Singh, hospitalized for a bronchoscopy, claimed the dispute began when Dr. Narula addressed him informally as “tu” instead of “tum.” Singh stated this made the doctor aggressive.
Conversely, Dr. Narula asserted that Singh instigated the fight using abusive language towards him and his family. An inquiry committee investigated the incident. The committee concluded both parties were at fault, citing “misconduct, misbehaviour and acts unbecoming of a public servant” on Dr. Narula’s part, according to officials.
Doctors Demand Reinstatement, Enhanced Security
Several medical associations have rallied in support of Dr. Narula. These include the Himachal Medical Officers’ Association, Shimla Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers, Shimla Private Practitioners’ Association, and the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Associations.
Their key demands are:
- Reinstatement of Dr. Raghav Narula.
- A transparent, time-bound, and impartial inquiry into the incident.
- Strict and prompt action against individuals who caused chaos within the hospital.
Chief Minister’s Assurances Fail to Halt Strike
Members of the Resident Doctors’ Association met Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday. The Chief Minister assured action against the mob that allegedly threatened the doctor inside the hospital and disrupted services. He also pledged new guidelines to enhance doctor security within hospitals.
Despite these assurances, doctors proceeded with their indefinite strike. They maintain their primary demand is the revocation of Dr. Narula’s termination order, which they say must be met for services to resume.