Medical services across government hospitals in Himachal Pradesh have been thrown into chaos following an indefinite strike by resident doctors. The protest, which began on December 27, 2025, has led to the suspension of outpatient departments (OPDs), routine services, and all elective surgeries statewide.
Root Cause: A Scuffle and a Termination
The trigger for this massive disruption was the termination of Dr Raghav Narula, a doctor at the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla. The action against Dr Narula came after an inquiry into a physical altercation with a patient, Arjun Singh. The incident occurred when Singh, who was recovering from a bronchoscopy procedure, objected to the doctor addressing him in an informal manner. The subsequent scuffle led to an official investigation.
The inquiry committee found elements of misconduct on both sides involved in the clash. However, the state government's decision to terminate Dr Narula's service prompted immediate backlash from the medical community.
Statewide Protest and Patient Hardship
In solidarity with Dr Narula, resident doctors across Himachal Pradesh walked out, crippling non-essential medical services. While emergency and critical care units remain functional, the impact on the general public has been severe.
Patients, particularly those travelling from remote and rural areas, are facing significant hardship. Many arrived at hospitals only to find OPDs shut and scheduled surgeries postponed indefinitely. The strike has highlighted the fragile state of healthcare access in the hill state.
Doctors' Demands and Political Intervention
The protesting doctors, backed by major associations like the Himachal Medical Officers’ Association and the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Associations (FORDA), have put forth a clear set of demands:
- Immediate reinstatement of Dr Raghav Narula.
- A transparent and fair inquiry into the entire incident.
- Action against individuals who allegedly caused chaos in the hospital premises.
The resident doctors' delegation met with Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to present their case. The Chief Minister assured them that his administration would take necessary measures to protect medical staff from such incidents in the future.
Despite this assurance, the doctors have chosen to continue their strike. They insist that the termination order against Dr Narula must be revoked immediately as a precondition for returning to work. The deadlock persists, leaving thousands of patients in limbo and underscoring the deep-seated tensions within the state's healthcare system.
