Shimla, Dec. 27, 2025: An indefinite strike by resident doctors disrupted routine medical services across Himachal Pradesh on Saturday after the termination of a doctor accused of assaulting a patient at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla.
Outpatient services and elective surgeries remained suspended at IGMC and several other government hospitals, while emergency care continued. The strike has caused widespread inconvenience to patients, many of whom travelled long distances for treatment.
“We have been waiting since morning, but there are no doctors,” said Krishan Singh Thakur, who came from Ani for his father’s treatment. “The cold weather and lack of accommodation are making things worse.”
Resident doctors first went on mass casual leave on Friday. The Resident Doctors’ Association later announced an indefinite strike, demanding the revocation of the termination order issued against Dr. Raghav Nirula.
The state government terminated Nirula’s services on Wednesday following an altercation with a patient, Arjun Singh, on Monday. The confrontation, which took place in the pulmonary ward, came to public attention after a video circulated on social media.
Singh alleged that the dispute escalated after he objected to being addressed informally by the doctor. Nirula, however, maintained that the patient initiated the confrontation by using abusive language.
An inquiry committee reportedly held both parties responsible and cited misconduct on the doctor’s part, officials said.
Medical organisations, including the Himachal Medical Officers’ Association and the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Associations, have demanded Nirula’s reinstatement and a fair inquiry. They have also sought strict action against individuals accused of creating unrest within hospital premises.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met representatives of the Resident Doctors’ Association on Friday and assured action against those who threatened medical staff, along with new guidelines to improve hospital security. However, resident doctors proceeded with the strike, saying their demands remain unmet.
