Mass Casual Leave Announced
Shimla: The Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) and Hospital, Shimla, announced a day-long mass casual leave on 26 December, 2025, to protest the termination of a senior resident in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine.
Viral Video Sparks Controversy
The protest follows a December 22 incident at IGMC, in which a resident doctor was seen in a viral video involved in a physical altercation with a patient from Chopal. The footage triggered public outrage and put the state government under pressure amid its ongoing healthcare reforms.
Government Response and FIR
Shimla Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under Sections 125(a), 115(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Following the IGMC inquiry committee’s report, which found both the doctor and patient responsible, the state government terminated the doctor’s services.
Support from Medical Associations
In solidarity, the Himachal Medical Officers Association (HMOA) backed the RDA, announcing that only emergency services would be provided from 27 December if the government failed to address the demands. RDA President Dr Sohil Sharma confirmed plans to meet the Chief Minister on 26 December.
Impact on Hospital Services
Dr Sharma stated that while emergency services would continue, all routine outpatient departments (OPDs) and elective operation theatres would remain closed during the protest, potentially affecting patient care at one of the state’s largest tertiary care hospitals.
Key Demands of RDA
The RDA demanded revocation of the dismissal order, FIR registration against Naresh Dasta, and legal action against those who allegedly damaged government property. They also called for a comprehensive review of hospital security lapses, including deficiencies in CCTV coverage and inadequate safety measures.
National and Regional Support
The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Associations (FORDA) highlighted the need for a fair, impartial inquiry, warning against prejudging the doctor or patient based on partial video footage. Similarly, the Ladakh Medical Association (LMA) expressed solidarity with the doctor, condemning actions that penalised him for allegedly defending himself.
Standoff Threatens Healthcare Delivery
With local and national associations rallying behind the doctor, the standoff could escalate from 27 December if talks fail, raising concerns over further disruptions to healthcare services in Himachal Pradesh. Authorities have urged a balanced approach to ensure patient safety and protect doctors’ rights.
