Daijiworld Media Network - Shimla

Shimla, Dec 29: Medical services, except for emergencies, were hit across several hospitals in Himachal Pradesh on Saturday as resident doctors launched an indefinite strike, protesting the termination of Dr Raghav Narula, who was dismissed for allegedly entering into a brawl with a patient at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla.

The doctors argued that the termination within 48 hours of the incident was unjustified, causing unrest among the medical fraternity. Meanwhile, patients and attendants, especially those from remote areas, faced difficulties accessing healthcare. Krishan Singh Thakur, who travelled 125 km from Ani for his father’s treatment, said, “No doctors are available due to the strike, we are facing inconvenience, especially with the peak winter cold and limited accommodation.”

Reports of disrupted services came in from Shimla, Dharamshala, Nahan, Hamirpur, Una, and other districts. Elective operations, OPDs, and routine services were suspended, though emergency services continued. “Consultants are attending to indoor patients, but planned surgeries faced disruptions,” said Dr Praveen Bhatia, Deputy Medical Superintendent, IGMC.

The strike was triggered by Dr Narula’s termination following a physical altercation with patient Arjun Singh inside the pulmonary ward. A video showed Narula punching Singh, who had reportedly tried to kick the doctor. While Narula claimed the patient instigated the fight, the inquiry committee found both parties at fault but considered Narula’s actions “misconduct and unbecoming of a public servant.”

Resident Doctors’ Association president Sohail Sharma said, “While the suspension was understandable, termination in 48 hours is unjust. Doctors need to feel safe to work.” Associations including the Himachal Medical Officers’ Association and Shimla Private Practitioners’ Association have demanded Dr Narula’s reinstatement and stronger security measures in hospitals.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured action against those who created the chaos and promised new guidelines to ensure doctors’ safety. However, the resident doctors continued their indefinite strike until their demand for revocation of the termination order is met.