Himachal Pradesh’s healthcare system has plunged into crisis as approximately 2,800 doctors across the state went on mass leave on Friday, protesting the government’s decision to terminate Dr Raghav Narula in the IGMC patient assault case. With OPDs shut, surgeries postponed, and emergency services crippled, thousands of patients who traveled from remote hills seeking treatment are bearing the brunt of the standoff between the medical fraternity and the Sukhu government.
What triggered the statewide protest
The controversy erupted after a viral video showed Dr Raghav Narula, a senior resident at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) Shimla, in a physical altercation with patient Arjun from Mashaut village on Monday. The government responded swiftly—first suspending and then terminating Dr Narula’s services within 48 hours.
However, the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) and other medical bodies have objected to what they call a “one-sided termination without proper investigation.” They argue that the viral video showed only a partial version of events, and Dr Narula’s claim that the patient provoked and physically assaulted him first was ignored.
In protest, doctors announced a mass leave starting Friday, bringing healthcare services across Himachal Pradesh to a virtual standstill.
Negotiations fail at CM’s residence
On Friday morning, a delegation of protesting doctors camped at Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s official residence Oak Over in Shimla, demanding immediate reinstatement of Dr Raghav Narula.
Despite prolonged discussions, no concrete resolution emerged. The Chief Minister eventually left for his pre-scheduled visit to Bilaspur, leaving the issue unresolved and doctors continuing their protest.
The failure of negotiations has deepened the crisis, with medical organizations digging in their heels and the government showing no signs of reversing its decision.
Healthcare system paralyzed: The numbers tell the story
The scale of the crisis is unprecedented:
2,800+ doctors across Himachal Pradesh on mass leave 450 doctors at IGMC Shimla alone have gone on collective leave, 50% of staff already on winter break since December 22 Zero OPD services at major government hospitals 100+ surgeries daily at IGMC have been suspended MRI and critical tests postponed indefinitely, patients asked to wait till Saturday
With half the medical staff already on winter holidays and the remaining doctors on protest, government hospitals have effectively shut down non-emergency services.
Political slugfest intensifies
The healthcare crisis has quickly become a political battleground. Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur launched a scathing attack on the Sukhu government, alleging that “system change” (vyavastha parivartan) has turned into “anarchy” (arajkata).
Taking to social media, Thakur asked pointed questions: “On one hand, ambulance workers are on strike, on the other, doctors are on the streets. Where should sick people go? Half the doctors are already on leave, and the government’s management has completely failed.”
Doctors’ demand vs government’s stand
Doctors’ demands:
- Immediate reinstatement of Dr Raghav Narula
- Completion of inquiry before any action
- Fair hearing for the accused doctor
- Recognition that the viral video showed incomplete facts
- Protection against hasty action based on social media pressure
Government’s position:
- Termination was based on preliminary inquiry
- Zero tolerance for violence against patients
- Cannot compromise on patient safety
- Action taken to send a strong message
- Detailed investigation will continue
Health Minister Dhaneram Shandil has maintained that the government acted in the interest of patient safety and will not bow to pressure. “We cannot allow doctors to assault patients. The action taken was appropriate and will stand,” he stated.
However, the government now faces a difficult situation—backing down would be seen as weakness, but continuing the standoff means healthcare collapse.
