Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has taken serious note of a viral video showing a senior doctor allegedly assaulting a patient at Shimla's Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC). He has directed officials to complete a thorough inquiry into the incident by December 24 and ensure appropriate action is taken without delay.
CM Sukhu Demands Detailed Report and Stresses Discipline
Chairing a meeting with senior health department officials, IGMC authorities, and the directorate of medical education on Tuesday, CM Sukhu sought a comprehensive report on the circumstances that led to the unfortunate event. He emphasized that doctors must uphold the highest standards of professional conduct, noting that their behavior reflects not only personal integrity but also the reputation of their institution.
Sukhu stated that while IGMC has produced doctors who have brought national and international acclaim to Himachal Pradesh, incidents of indiscipline are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. He stressed the importance of maintaining politeness and composure while dealing with patients.
The Incident and Immediate Aftermath
The controversy erupted after a video circulated on social media on Monday. The footage showed Dr. Raghav Narula, 31, allegedly assaulting patient Arjun Panwar, 36, who was lying on a hospital bed. Following the video's viral spread, the hospital administration swiftly suspended Dr. Narula.
A three-member committee was constituted to investigate the matter thoroughly. Simultaneously, the local police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the accused doctor, initiating a legal process.
Political Reactions and Calls for Fairness
The incident has sparked significant political and public reaction. The patient's father and relatives, accompanied by Chopal BJP MLA Balbir Singh Verma, met with Health and Family Welfare Minister Colonel Dhani Ram Shandil (Retd). They demanded the termination of the accused doctor's services.
On the other hand, the IGMC Resident Doctors' Association has called for a fair and impartial investigation. They urged authorities to give both parties involved an opportunity to present their side of the story before reaching any final conclusion.
Broader Review of Medical Education and Practices
During the meeting, CM Sukhu also reviewed broader issues related to medical education in the state. He directed the directorate of medical education to introduce a mandatory induction training program for doctors joining medical colleges as senior residents.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister examined the existing senior residency process and issued necessary guidelines aimed at improving both administrative functioning and professional practices within the state's medical institutions.
