IGMC Shimla resident doctors go on mass leave today over senior resident’s termination after patient assault row

Resident doctors at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) and Hospital, Shimlahave gone on a one-day mass casual leave on Friday, December 26protesting the termination of a senior resident doctor following a violent altercation with a patient earlier this week.

The agitation has been called by the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of IGMC after the Himachal Pradesh government terminated Dr Raghav Nirulaa senior resident in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, in connection with a December 22 incident at the hospital.

What triggered the protest at IGMC Shimla

The protest stems from an alleged assault involving Dr Nirula and a patient identified as Arjun. According to the patient’s complaint, the incident began after he objected to the manner in which he was addressed and requested the doctor to speak respectfully. The patient alleged that the doctor became aggressive and physically assaulted him, causing bleeding from the nose and mouth and injuries to multiple parts of the body.

Following the complaint, Shimla Police registered an FIR at the Shimla Sadar police station under Sections 125(a), 115(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Based on reports submitted by the IGMC administration and the college inquiry committee, the state government subsequently terminated Dr Nirula’s services.

In its order, the Directorate of Medical Education and Research, Himachal Pradeshstated that the services of Dr Raghav Nirula as Senior Resident, Pulmonary Medicine, IGMC Shimla, stood terminated with immediate effect. The inquiry committee reportedly observed that both the doctor and the patient shared responsibility for the altercation.

RDA’s demands and warning of strike

RDA president Dr Sohil Sharma said the association would first seek talks with the state government. He confirmed that resident doctors have proceeded on a one-day mass casual leave on December 26and warned that an indefinite strike would begin from December 27 at 9:30 am if their demands are not addressed.

While emergency services will continue, all routine services, outpatient departments and elective surgeries remain suspended during the protest.

The RDA has demanded immediate revocation of Dr Nirula’s termination orderregistration of an FIR against Naresh Squadwho allegedly threatened the doctor, and legal action against individuals accused of damaging government property during the incident. The association has also sought accountability for security lapses at IGMCincluding inadequate CCTV coverage and failure to implement preventive measures despite earlier assessments.

Support from FORDA and HMOA

The protest has received backing from the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Associations (FORDA)which urged the Himachal Pradesh government to ensure a fair and transparent investigationwhile maintaining both professional integrity and patient dignity.

In solidarity, the Himachal Medical Officers Association (HMOA) has also announced a one-day mass casual leave on Fridaywarning that from December 27, only emergency services will be available if the matter remains unresolved.

The standoff has intensified pressure on the state government as healthcare services at one of Himachal Pradesh’s key medical institutions face major disruption.