Shimla Healthcare Halted as IGMC Doctors Protest Termination of Dr. Raghav Nirula
Healthcare services in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, are significantly disrupted today as resident doctors at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) observe a day-long mass casual leave. The protest, organised by the Resident Doctors Association (RDA), is in response to the termination of Dr. Raghav Nirula, a senior resident in pulmonary medicine.
Dr. Nirulas termination stems from a December 22nd incident at IGMC, where he was involved in a physical altercation with a patient, captured in a viral video. Following an FIR and an internal inquiry that found both parties responsible, the state government terminated Dr. Nirula’s services.
He maintains his innocence, alleging patient abuse, while the patient claims the doctors rude behaviour initiated the dispute. With emergency services continuing, routine functions, outpatient departments, and elective surgeries remain suspended, severely affecting patient care. The RDA has warned of an indefinite strike from December 27th if their demands are not addressed after a scheduled meeting with the Chief Minister.