Shimla: Non-emergency medical services were badly affected in several hospitals across Himachal Pradesh on Saturday as resident doctors launched an indefinite strike, protesting the termination of a doctor accused of assaulting a patient. Emergency services, however, continued to function.
Patients coming from remote areas and their attendants faced serious difficulties due to the absence of doctors. The situation was further aggravated by severe cold conditions and the New Year tourist rush, which made it difficult for many to find accommodation.
Resident doctors at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) and other government hospitals announced that routine services, operation theatres and OPDs would remain shut from Saturday, with only emergency services operational.
The Himachal Pradesh government had on Wednesday terminated the services of Dr Raghav Narula following an alleged physical altercation with a patient, Arjun Singh, on Monday. The action was taken after a video of the incident surfaced.
The patient alleged that the doctor addressed him disrespectfully and turned violent when he objected. Dr Narula, however, said the patient provoked him by using abusive language against his family. A probe committee reportedly found both parties at fault.
Several medical associations have come out in support of the doctor and are demanding his reinstatement. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has assured doctors of security and strict action against unruly behaviour by patients and attendants, but the resident doctors remain firm on continuing their strike.
