No breakthrough in Doctor–Govt standoff, services still hit
https://himachalscape.com/
Shimla, Dec 28,
Even after Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday urged resident doctors across Himachal Pradesh to resume duties — assuring that the government would review its decision on the termination of Senior Resident Dr. Raghav Narula — no breakthrough has been achieved so far. Healthcare services remain paralyzed for the second consecutive day, with patients bearing the brunt of the standoff.
The strike erupted after the government terminated Dr. Narula in connection with an alleged assault case at IGMC Shimla. The medical fraternity maintains that the action was unilateral and taken without allowing a fair inquiry. Their key demand remains unchanged: withdraw the dismissal first, and only then will negotiations follow.
Despite the Chief Minister signalling a softer stance and promising discussions with senior doctors at IGMC, resident doctors appear unwilling to relent. Representatives of resident doctors’ associations and supporting medical bodies insist that reinstating the senior resident is the only way to restore trust.
Meanwhile, the fallout has spread across Himachal’s public healthcare apparatus. OPDs in multiple medical colleges, district hospitals and even Community Health Centres have been severely disrupted. Surgeries scheduled over the weekend were postponed, leading to mounting anxiety among patients, especially those who travelled from rural and distant areas for specialist consultations.
At several hospitals, senior consultants attempted to manage OPDs, but the patient load led to long queues and delays. Ambulances arriving with emergency cases faced additional pressure as available doctors shifted to life-saving treatment only.
The government has enforced a Standard Operating Procedure to keep emergency departments running. Leaves of principals, senior administrators and medical superintendents have been cancelled, directing them to actively man hospitals. Yet, the temporary measures are not enough to absorb the sudden loss of hundreds of frontline resident doctors.
This deadlock, doctors argue, is not merely about one incident — but about ensuring that workplace disputes are handled through due procedure, without fear of arbitrary punishment. For the government, however, maintaining order inside hospitals while ensuring public health cannot suffer remains paramount.
As talks are expected to resume, the urgency grows sharper. Each passing hour means more unattended patients, more delayed diagnoses and growing frustration among families seeking medical care.
Until a resolution emerges, one reality stands undeniable: the crisis is no longer just administrative — it is deeply human.
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.
