SHIMLA – The Shimla Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers (SAMDCOT) on Wednesday demanded a transparent investigation into a recent doctor-patient physical altercation at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC). The association warned of a statewide movement if authorities fail to take legal action against individuals who allegedly incited the crowd.
Incident Details and Immediate Aftermath
The confrontation occurred Monday in IGMC’s pulmonary ward. A viral video showed Dr. Raghav Narula (31) punching patient Arjun Singh (34). Singh was seen attempting to kick the doctor. Authorities suspended Dr. Narula Monday evening after a preliminary report.
Arjun Singh, from Kupvi, Shimla district, was at the hospital for a bronchoscopy. He reported breathlessness after the procedure. Singh claimed the dispute began when Dr. Narula addressed him informally as “tu” instead of “tum,” leading the doctor to become aggressive.
Dr. Narula stated the patient instigated the fight. He claimed Singh used abusive language against him and his family. The doctor asserted the circulated video presents only a partial truth. Dr. Narula later alleged the patient’s relatives issued death threats against him.
Association Calls for Fair Probe, Warns of Stir
SAMDCOT, representing medical faculty in Himachal Pradesh, expressed concern over violence against doctors. The association urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information about the incident.
SAMDCOT President Dr. Balbir S. Verma and General Secretary Dr. Piyush Kapila requested the public consider the full sequence of events. They reported the pulmonary ward was under siege for over three hours, disrupting medical care.
“Only short, fragmented videos show isolated moments,” SAMDCOT stated. “Complete footage demonstrates prolonged provocation, shouting, threats, and intimidation directed at the doctors. The truth cannot be assessed based on a few seconds taken out of context.”
The association alleged audio recordings reveal individuals calling others to threaten doctors. They claimed some protest leaders appeared to have political motives. SAMDCOT reiterated its warning: “If legal action is not taken against the leaders who incited and addressed the crowd, a statewide movement will be launched.”
Official Response and Doctor Defense
Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil called the incident “unfortunate and unimaginable.” Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu requested a detailed report on the matter.
The Resident Doctors Association of IGMC defended Dr. Narula. They claimed the patient “misbehaved and used abusive language” when asked about medical records.
SAMDCOT emphasized that harassment, threats, misinformation, and unsafe working conditions force doctors to take collective action. They stated this ultimately impacts patient care. The association stressed hospitals must remain safe spaces for both patients and healthcare providers.