Shimla, Dec. 27, 2025: Medical services, except for emergency care, remained severely affected across government hospitals in Himachal Pradesh on Saturday as resident doctors launched an indefinite strike protesting the termination of a doctor accused of assaulting a patient at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla.
Patients and attendants, particularly those from remote areas, faced major difficulties due to the closure of outpatient departments, suspension of elective surgeries and the absence of resident doctors.
“I came here on Thursday from Ani, about 125 kilometres away, for my father’s treatment,” said Krishan Singh Thakur, an attendant. “Doctors are unavailable because of the strike, and we are facing a lot of inconvenience.”
Thakur said harsh winter conditions and the lack of accommodation due to heavy tourist inflow around the New Year had worsened the situation. “I urge the government and doctors to resolve the matter quickly in the interest of patients,” he said.
Resident doctors at IGMC and several other government hospitals across the state went on mass casual leave on Friday. The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) announced an indefinite strike from Saturday, stating that emergency services would continue.
The strike follows the Himachal Pradesh government’s decision on Wednesday to terminate the services of Dr. Raghav Nirula after an alleged physical altercation with a patient, Arjun Singh, earlier this week.
The incident surfaced after a video from the pulmonary ward went viral, showing Nirula punching the patient while the latter attempted to kick the doctor. Singh, who had visited the hospital for a bronchoscopy and later complained of breathlessness, alleged the dispute arose after he objected to being addressed as “tu” instead of “tum.”
Nirula has denied the allegations, claiming the patient used abusive language against him and his family. An inquiry committee reportedly found both parties at fault, citing misconduct on the doctor’s part.
Several medical bodies have supported Nirula, demanding his reinstatement and a transparent, time-bound inquiry. Despite assurances from Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on improved hospital security and action against those who threatened doctors, resident doctors continued with the strike.
