IGMC Shimla : Himachal Doctors Split as IGMC Strike Ends Partially After CM’s Assurance

The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) of Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) and Hospital, Shimla, formally called off its strike on Sunday following assurances from Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. However, the decision has exposed divisions within the medical fraternity, with a section of doctors refusing to accept the move.

While the indefinite strike that had affected healthcare services across the state appears to have eased, the deadlock has been only partially resolved. A faction of resident doctors remains firm on its demand for the revocation of the termination of Dr Raghav Nirula, who was dismissed following allegations of assaulting a patient at IGMC.

“We feel unsafe and vulnerable. We need a written assurance that Dr Raghav’s termination will be revoked and that the safety of doctors will be ensured,” said a resident doctor who, along with others, continued to protest outside IGMC even after the RDA’s announcement.

The RDA’s decision to withdraw the strike came after strong remarks from Chief Minister Sukhu, who made it clear that dialogue could resume only after the doctors called off the agitation. RDA president Dr Sohil Sharma and general secretary Dr Adarsh Sharma said the strike was withdrawn following the Chief Minister’s assurance of a detailed inquiry into the incident.

After returning from Delhi, Sukhu reiterated that there was no justification for the strike when the government had already agreed to a re-examination of the matter. “There is absolutely no justification for the resident doctors’ strike. It is surprising that they are so adamant that they are not even willing to listen to the Chief Minister,” he said, urging them to resume duties.

The resident doctors across Himachal had gone on strike after the termination of Dr Nirula, a senior resident, for allegedly assaulting a patient at IGMC last week.

Referring to the incident, Sukhu said the aggression displayed by the doctor, as seen in a video of the incident, was unjustified and avoidable. “He could have simply reported the matter to his seniors instead of allowing the situation to escalate,” he said.

“People regard doctors as next to God. Assaulting a patient in this manner is completely wrong,” the Chief Minister said, adding that while the government was committed to protecting the interests of both doctors and patients, wrongdoing could not be ignored.

Clarifying the government’s stand, Sukhu said there was no intention to ruin any doctor’s career, but accountability was essential. “If a mistake has been made, it must be acknowledged. The strike was called for the wrong reason,” he added.

Read Also : Statewide ambulance services disrupted for second day in Himachal Pradesh