Himachal Pradesh Government Dismisses Doctor Following Patient Assault Incident
Government Action Against Doctor
Sunil Chadha
Shimla: The government of Himachal Pradesh has exercised Section 9 of the Resident Doctor Policy, 2025, to terminate the employment of a senior resident doctor at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla. This decision follows the circulation of a video that allegedly shows the doctor assaulting a patient in a hospital setting.
The footage depicted a confrontation that arose after the doctor reportedly addressed the patient in a disrespectful manner, using the informal 'tu' instead of the formal 'aap', which led to objections from the patient and his family.
According to official communications from the Director of Medical Education and Research, the action against Dr. Raghav Nirula was taken after a disciplinary inquiry committee determined that his behavior constituted 'misconduct, misbehavior, improper conduct, and an act unbecoming of a public servant.' The inquiry report indicated that both the patient and the doctor shared responsibility for the incident.
Incident Details and Legal Actions
FIR Filed by Patient's Family on December 22
The disciplinary committee's initial report was submitted on December 22, 2025, detailing the altercation involving 32-year-old patient Arjun Panwar and Dr. Nirula within the hospital. Following this, the patient's relatives filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the doctor, which is currently under police investigation.
Based on the preliminary findings and video evidence, Dr. Nirula was suspended from his senior residency on December 22 under the aforementioned policy. The state government subsequently established a high-level inquiry committee on December 23, instructing it to provide a factual report within 72 hours. Following the committee's recommendations, the doctor was dismissed immediately.
Political and Professional Reactions
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed the committee to finalize its report by December 24, which was completed on Wednesday. Copies of the termination notice were distributed to the Health Secretary, Director of Health Services, IGMC Principal, and the Medical Superintendent for necessary action.
In response to the incident, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur criticized the behavior displayed, emphasizing that such actions are unacceptable in the medical field. He urged doctors to maintain composure, particularly when dealing with stressed patients, and highlighted the importance of civility in communication.
Conversely, the State Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers (SEMDICOT) has expressed support for Dr. Nirula, calling for a thorough and unbiased investigation. They have also demanded legal action against individuals who allegedly incited the crowd and instigated protests within the hospital. SEMDICOT has warned of potential statewide protests if their requests are not met.
SEMDICOT representatives claimed that protesters blocked the Pulmonary Medicine ward for over three hours, causing significant disruption for both patients and medical staff, and fostering an environment of fear and chaos within the hospital.