Brawl at IGMC Ends with Apology
Following the recent doctor-patient altercation at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC), Shimla, which triggered protests by resident doctors, the matter has been resolved after both parties apologised to each other. The resolution paved the way for the Himachal Pradesh government to announce steps aimed at reducing friction between doctors and patients while addressing safety concerns.
Government Assures Balanced Approach
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state government would adopt a balanced approach, ensuring both patient dignity and doctor safety. He announced that doctors who maintain good behaviour with patients will be formally rewarded, while making it clear that misbehaviour by either doctors or patients will not be tolerated.
Dispute Resolution and FIR Withdrawal
The dispute was resolved in the presence of Naresh Chauhan, Principal Media Advisor to the Chief Minister. Chauhan said grievances of both sides were addressed, and following the agreement, the FIR lodged against the senior resident doctor would be withdrawn. Families of both the doctor and the patient expressed satisfaction over the amicable settlement.
Trigger Point of the Altercation
The incident occurred on December 22, when a patient objected to being addressed as “tu” instead of “tum” by the doctor. The disagreement escalated into a physical altercation. While the patient accused the doctor of misbehaviour, the doctor claimed he was provoked by abusive language directed at him and his family. A video of the clash later surfaced, showing both parties involved in the scuffle.
Inquiry Finds Both at Fault
A government-appointed inquiry committee found both the doctor and the patient guilty of misconduct. Based on the findings, the doctor was terminated from service for “misconduct, misbehaviour and acts unbecoming of a public servant,” a decision that sparked strong protests from resident doctors at IGMC.
Resident Doctors’ Strike and Assurance
Resident doctors went on strike demanding revocation of the termination order. The strike was called off after two days following Chief Minister Sukhu’s appeal and assurance of a fresh review. To honour the assurance, the CM ordered the formation of a new committee to re-examine the incident, stating that the government did not intend to ruin any doctor’s career without fair inquiry.
Behavioural Assessment in ACR Proposed
The Chief Minister announced that the government is considering adding behavioural assessment marks to doctors’ Annual Confidential Reports (ACR). These marks would reflect doctors’ interactions with patients and attendants. Good conduct would be rewarded, while complaints would need to be promptly reported to senior authorities.
Staff Shortage, Training and Security Measures
At a Health Department meeting in Shimla, Sukhu also directed the introduction of mandatory courses on human behaviour and man-management for doctors. Acknowledging staff shortages as a major cause of tension, he said hundreds of vacant posts had already been filled and more appointments were underway. Incentives for highly qualified specialists are also under consideration to strengthen the public healthcare system, even as some services at IGMC remain partially affected due to lingering concerns among resident doctors.
