Himachal Doctors' Indefinite Strike Halts Hospitals Over Colleague's Termination
Himachal resident doctors on indefinite strike over senior doctor's termination after patient brawl.
Resident Doctors Associations (RDAs) across government medical colleges in Himachal Pradesh went on an indefinite strike on Saturday, protesting the termination of a Senior Resident at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC). The action comes after a brawl between the doctor and a patient on December 22, with doctors criticizing the government for acting without proper investigation or consultation.
The Department of Medical Education and Research has issued Standard Operating Procedures to ensure that emergency and ward services remain functional during the strike. Additionally, doctors on annual leave have been recalled to duty to maintain hospital operations amid the ongoing protest.
RDA President Dr. Sohil Sharma stated that doctors feel the termination was unjust and unsafe, as the Senior Resident—who qualified through NEET UG, NEET PG, and state service obligations—was suspended within six hours and terminated within 48 hours based on partial evidence from a viral video.
Also Read: US Forces Carry Out 22nd Strike on Suspected Narco-Boat, Death Toll Reaches 87
Critics argue the government acted hastily and without balance, failing to hold the patient or their attendants accountable. The inquiry report reportedly found both the patient and the doctor at fault, but no action has been taken against the disruptive attendants who entered ICU and high-dependency wards, threatening hospital staff.
Political reactions have been mixed. BJP MLA Balbir Verma supported action against the doctor, urging strict measures, while Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur called the termination harsh and one-sided, emphasizing that doctors reach senior positions through years of rigorous examinations and training.
The strike highlights tensions between healthcare professionals and the state government, with RDAs demanding a fair and transparent resolution that ensures accountability without compromising the safety and rights of medical staff, while maintaining uninterrupted patient care in hospitals.
Also Read: Minor in Rented Thar Rams Vehicles in Noida After Spotting Family, Leaves One Injured
