Himachal Pradesh News
IGMC Shimla : Himachal Doctors on Strike; Minister Says Apology Could Have Averted Crisis
Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil on Saturday said that a simple apology could have prevented the healthcare crisis Himachal Pradesh is currently facing due to an indefinite strike by doctors across the state.
Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil on Saturday said that a simple apology could have prevented the healthcare crisis Himachal Pradesh is currently facing due to an indefinite strike by doctors across the state.
Doctors launched the strike demanding the reinstatement of Dr Raghav Nirula, whose services were terminated after he allegedly assaulted a patient at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC), Shimla. The agitation has severely disrupted health services statewide.
“If the doctor had accepted that he acted in a fit of rage and apologised to the Director of Medical Education or the Chief Minister for the incident, the matter could have ended there,” Shandil said.
Emphasising that doctors should exercise restraint given the sensitive nature of their profession, the Health Minister expressed hope for an early resolution. “Once the Chief Minister returns from Delhi, I will take the doctors to him to resolve the issue. Meanwhile, we have ensured that emergency services continue smoothly in hospitals,” he added.
While the protesting doctors have acknowledged misconduct on the part of their colleague, they maintain that the punishment was disproportionate. They are demanding Dr Nirula’s immediate reinstatement.
“We accept there was misconduct, but how can suspension within six hours and termination within 48 hours be justified?” asked Dr Sohail Sharma, as hundreds of resident doctors at IGMC raised slogans demanding justice.
He said the termination order had sent a negative message to the medical fraternity. “A career built over 10 years has been destroyed just like that. Doctors are feeling humiliated and insecure,” he said, explaining why the strike continued despite the Chief Minister’s assurance of a fresh inquiry.
Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur termed the decision to terminate the doctor’s services as hasty and harsh. In contrast, BJP MLA from Chopal Balbir Verma supported the government’s action against the doctor.
