IGMC Senior Resident terminated after scuffle with patient; Former IGMC MS Dr Janak Raj calls it a system failure
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Shimla, Dec 25,
In a decisive administrative action following a violent altercation inside the state’s premier hospital, the Himachal Pradesh Directorate of Medical Education & Research has terminated Dr Raghav Nirula, Senior Resident in the Pulmonary Medicine Department of Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla. The order comes after a disciplinary inquiry found both the doctor and a 36-year-old patient, Arjun, responsible for misconduct in the December 22 incident.
The department suspended Dr Nirula the same evening and referred the matter to an inquiry committee, which submitted its findings within 72 hours. Based on the report and video evidence of the scuffle, authorities concluded that the conduct amounted to “misconduct, misbehaviour, acts of commission and unbecoming of a public servant,” prompting termination under Clause-9 of the Resident Doctor Policy, 2025, with immediate effect. A police case filed by the patient’s attendants remains under investigation.
The episode has triggered a sharp reaction from the opposition, particularly because healthcare staff across Himachal Pradesh have long flagged stress, overcrowding, and security concerns inside major hospitals.
Dr Janak Raj, BJP MLA from Pangi and importantly, the former Medical Superintendent of IGMC who has firsthand experience managing the institution, said the government was merely pushing the blame on to the doctor instead of acknowledging the collapse of the system.
“The government is trying to wash its hands by acting against the doctor and throwing dust into the eyes of the public. Without thinking about the fact that an overloaded system will further break the morale of doctors and increase the suffering of patients. The scuffle at IGMC is not a routine incident but strong evidence of this government’s complete failure to manage healthcare.”
Expressing deep concern over the state of government hospitals, he added:
“Are patients criminals? Have hospitals turned into centres of harassment due to long waiting hours, scarcity of beds, delayed investigations and operations? Are doctors and patients supposed to become enemies now? Both are victims of the government’s policy failures. Staff shortage, lack of security and no mechanism for grievance redressal are the real reasons behind these clashes.”
Dr Janak Raj said the government must be held accountable for ignoring core needs while spending crores on equipment that most patients never ask for. Referring to the recent decision to purchase six robotic surgical units worth ₹180 crore, he questioned the state’s priorities.
“Instead of improving infrastructure and filling vacancies, the government decided to buy six robots worth ₹180 crore. Was this decision based on the needs of the people? In a democracy, elected governments are supposed to act in the interest of the public. That is what the Constitution says.”
As the FIR proceeds and the termination order takes effect, the spotlight now shifts to larger questions about workplace safety for doctors, rising incidents of patient-doctor clashes, and whether the already strained public health system in Himachal Pradesh can withstand another hit to morale.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
