IGMC Doctors Protest Termination, Warn of Strike
The simmering dispute at IGMC Shimla has escalated after the government terminated Senior Resident Dr. Raghav Narula over a patient-assault case. Doctors’ associations, including the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA), Consultants and Senior Doctors’ Association (CSA), and SAMDCOT, have united in protest, calling the move unjust and one-sided.
At a gate meeting on Thursday, doctors announced a collective leave on December 26 and warned of an indefinite strike from December 27 if their demands are not met. They insist the dismissal lacked transparency and morale in the medical community is at stake.
Doctors also raised concerns about threats to Dr. Narula’s safety and lapses in hospital security, demanding FIRs and stronger protection for healthcare workers.
During the strike, only emergency services will remain functional, while OPDs and elective surgeries will be shut. A delegation of doctors is set to meet Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on December 27 before deciding the next course of action.
The controversy stems from a December 22 clash between Dr. Narula and a patient, which went viral on social media and prompted strict government action.
