Doctors' Strike Brings IGMC Shimla to a Standstill After Senior Resident Fired

On Wednesday, the state government dismissed Dr Nirula after an inquiry found him guilty of entering into a physical altercation with a patient, Arjun Singh, inside IGMC this week. File Photo.

Doctors’ Strike Brings IGMC Shimla to a Standstill After Senior Resident Fired

Resident doctors at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, and other government hospitals in Himachal Pradesh have launched an indefinite strike, severely disrupting medical services across the state.

The protest began with mass casual leave on Friday, and an official indefinite strike commenced on Saturday, December 27, 2025. It was triggered by the termination of Senior Resident Dr. Raghav Nirula. On Wednesday, the state government dismissed Dr Nirula after an inquiry found him guilty of entering into a physical altercation with a patient, Arjun Singh, inside IGMC this week. Routine services, elective surgeries and outpatient departments remain closed, with only emergency care continuing during the strike.

Patients and attendants, especially those from remote areas, have faced significant difficulties due to the unavailability of doctors. One attendant from Ani, about 125 kilometres from Shimla, told The Tribune that the lack of doctors during peak winter and heavy tourist rush increased their problems.

The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) announced the strike and protested what it describes as a hasty termination and demanded the revocation of Dr Nirula’s dismissal. They argue that the disciplinary action was taken without a fair and transparent process and have called for a fresh, impartial inquiry.

Several medical bodies, including the Himachal Medical Officers’ Association and the Shimla Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers, have come together in support of the striking doctors. Despite a meeting with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who assured a review of the incident and improved security guidelines, doctors have proceeded with the strike, underscoring unresolved concerns about due process and workplace safety.

Source: The Tribune