Strike Hits Routine Medical Services Across the State
Medical services across Himachal Pradesh were severely affected on Saturday, December 27, 2025, as resident doctors went on an indefinite strike at the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, and several government hospitals. The strike follows the termination of Dr. Raghav Narula, who was involved in a brawl with a patient.
Emergency services continued to operate, but routine consultations, outpatient departments, and elective surgeries were suspended, causing significant inconvenience for patients, particularly those from remote areas.
Patient Difficulties Amid Strike
Patients and their attendants faced hardships due to the unavailability of doctors.
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Krishan Singh Thakur, who traveled 125 km from Ani with his father, said, “No doctors are available due to the strike. We are facing major difficulties, especially in peak winter and with accommodation challenges during the tourist season.”
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Dasvi Ram, whose wife was scheduled for an MRI, stated, “Her MRI was delayed as doctors are on strike. We hope the matter is resolved soon.”
Background: Incident Leading to Termination
The Himachal Pradesh government terminated Dr. Raghav Narula’s services on Wednesday after a confrontation with patient Arjun Singh on Monday in the pulmonary ward of IGMC.
A video of the brawl showed Dr. Narula punching the patient while the patient attempted to kick the doctor.
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The patient alleged the dispute started due to the doctor addressing him disrespectfully.
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Dr. Narula claimed the patient used abusive language first, provoking the fight.
An inquiry committee found both parties at fault, noting misconduct, misbehaviour, and acts unbecoming of a public servant on the part of Dr. Narula.
Doctors’ Associations Demand Reinstatement and Safety Measures
Several medical bodies, including:
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Himachal Medical Officers’ Association
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Shimla Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers
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Shimla Private Practitioners’ Association
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Federation of Resident Doctors’ Associations
have expressed support for Dr. Narula. They demand:
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Reinstatement of the doctor
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A transparent, time-bound, and impartial inquiry into the incident
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Strict action against individuals who disrupted hospital functioning, ensuring the safety of doctors
Government Response
Resident doctors met Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday. The Chief Minister assured action against the mob involved in threatening the doctor and affecting hospital services. He also promised new guidelines to safeguard doctors inside hospital premises.
Despite these assurances, doctors proceeded with their indefinite strike, emphasizing the need to revoke Dr. Narula’s termination order.
