Himachal Doctors' Strike Halts OPDs After Shimla Assault Case

Medical services across Himachal Pradesh were severely disrupted on Saturday as resident doctors went on indefinite strike following the termination of Dr Raghav Narula from Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla. Narula was fired after a video surfaced showing him physically assaulting patient Arjun Singh in the pulmonary ward. The incident occurred after Singh objected to being addressed as 'tu' instead of 'tum'. While emergency services continued, outpatient departments and elective surgeries were suspended at IGMC and other government hospitals. Patients from remote areas like Ani (125km away) reported significant hardships due to lack of doctors during harsh winter conditions. The Resident Doctors' Association demands immediate withdrawal of the termination order, citing an inquiry committee that found 'misconduct' on both sides. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu promised action against those threatening medical staff but the strike continues.