Healthcare Crisis in Himachal Pradesh: Doctors Strike Over Colleague's Termination
Indefinite Strike by Resident Doctors
Shimla: A significant health crisis unfolded in Himachal Pradesh on Saturday, December 27, 2025, as resident doctors initiated an indefinite strike. This action was prompted by the dismissal of a senior resident linked to an alleged assault incident at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) and Hospital.
The strike has severely disrupted routine medical services across major government hospitals, leaving numerous patients without care and postponing essential surgeries.
Surgeries that were planned for Friday were postponed as resident doctors took casual leave, and no new dates were provided, leading to frustration and anxiety among patients and their families. With the indefinite strike in effect, healthcare services throughout the state are likely to remain significantly affected.
Outpatient departments (OPDs) at IGMC and Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) Hospital in Shimla were either partially or completely closed. Although senior consultants tried to manage outpatient services at IGMC, the overwhelming number of patients made their efforts insufficient.
Long lines formed outside OPDs from early morning, but many patients had to leave without treatment due to the lack of available doctors. At DDU Hospital, OPD services were entirely halted, with only emergency care being provided.
Ambulance Staff Strike Complicates Emergency Services
The situation worsened with a concurrent strike by ambulance service employees operating the 108 and 102 services. In various districts, ambulance drivers reportedly left without handing over vehicle keys, which hindered emergency response efforts. In Ghumarwin, an ambulance driver allegedly took the keys with him, prompting hospital officials to file a police report.
The ambulance service operator has warned of potential action under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against staff who do not comply during the strike. The disruption of ambulance services in Bilaspur, Rampur, Baddi, and Una has further escalated patient distress, especially in rural regions.
Backlash Over Termination of Senior Resident
The unrest stems from the termination of Dr. Raghav Narula, a senior resident implicated in an assault case involving a patient at IGMC.
Resident doctors and medical officers have criticized the decision as “hasty and one-sided,” claiming that proper procedures were overlooked. The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) and the Himachal Medical Officers Association have organized a collective protest, accusing the government of neglecting doctors’ safety.
Medical services have been disrupted not only at IGMC but also at medical colleges in Tanda, Nahan, Nerchowk, Chamba, and Hamirpur. In Paonta Sahib, local traders closed their markets in solidarity with Dr. Raghav, who is from Sirmaur district.
Authorities have recorded statements from patients and their families who witnessed the incident and are reviewing a video of the altercation that circulated on social media. Officials indicated that further legal actions would depend on medical reports concerning those involved.
As both resident doctors and medical officers limit their services to emergencies, patients throughout Himachal Pradesh are preparing for ongoing disruptions. Medical associations have warned that unless the termination order is rescinded and hospital security is enhanced, the strike will persist, further straining an already burdened public health system.