IGMC Shimla Row: Doctors Protest Termination, Demand Fair Hearing
The controversy at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla has deepened after the government terminated the services of Dr. Raghav Varula, accused in a patient-assault case. Resident doctors staged a gate meeting on Thursday morning, voicing anger over what they called one-sided action against their colleague.
Despite the protest, doctors decided to continue services in emergency wards, general wards, and OPDs for now. The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) said a final decision would be taken only after consultations with senior doctors, and a delegation will soon meet Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to press for a fair review.
The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, showed a heated clash between Dr. Raghav and a patient, sparking outrage across the state. Initially suspended, Dr. Raghav was later dismissed after the matter reached the Chief Minister.
In his defense, Dr. Raghav released a video claiming the patient provoked the altercation with loud arguments and personal remarks. He insisted he had served IGMC for eight years without incident and said the confrontation escalated beyond his control.
For now, the hospital remains tense, with doctors demanding that the government ensure justice and impartiality in the inquiry, while patients and families look for reassurance that care will not be disrupted.
