OPDs shut, surgeries deferred as doctors walk out
TNR NEWS NETWORK
Shimla: The health crisis in Himachal Pradesh deepened on Saturday (December 27, 2025) as resident doctors went on an indefinite strike following the termination of a senior resident in connection with an alleged assault incident at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) and Hospital in Shimla.
The protest paralysed routine medical services across major government hospitals, leaving patients stranded and critical procedures postponed.
Doctors had scheduled several surgeries on Friday, but these were deferred after resident doctors proceeded on casual leave. Patients were not given fresh dates for their operations, triggering anxiety and anger among attendants. With resident doctors now on an indefinite strike, healthcare services across the state are expected to remain severely disrupted on Saturday as well.
OPDs at IGMC and Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) Hospital in Shimla remained either partially or fully closed. While senior consultants attempted to manage outpatient services at IGMC, the overwhelming rush rendered efforts inadequate.
Long queues were seen outside OPDs from early morning, but many patients returned home untreated due to the absence of doctors. At DDU Hospital, OPD services were completely suspended, with only emergency care functioning.
Ambulance staff strike worsens emergency response
The situation was compounded by a simultaneous strike by 108 and 102 ambulance service employees. In several districts, ambulance drivers allegedly left without depositing vehicle keys, impacting emergency response. In Ghumarwin, an ambulance driver reportedly took the keys along, prompting hospital authorities to lodge a police complaint.
The ambulance service operator warned of action under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against staff refusing to cooperate during the strike. Ambulance services were affected in Bilaspur, Rampur, Baddi and Una, further escalating patient distress, particularly in rural areas.
Termination order sparks statewide backlash
The unrest follows the termination of Dr Raghav Narula, a senior resident accused in an assault case involving a patient at IGMC.
Resident doctors and medical officers have termed the action “hasty and one-sided”, alleging that due process was ignored. The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) and the Himachal Medical Officers Association announced a collective protest, accusing the government of failing to ensure doctors’ safety.
Medical services were disrupted not only at IGMC but also at medical colleges in Tanda, Nahan, Nerchowk, Chamba and Hamirpur. In Paonta Sahib, traders observed a market shutdown in support of Dr Raghav, who hails from Sirmaur district.
Police have recorded statements of patients and attendants present during the incident and are examining a video of the altercation that went viral on social media. Officials said further legal action would depend on medical reports of those involved.
With both resident doctors and medical officers limiting services to emergencies, patients across Himachal Pradesh are bracing for prolonged disruption. Medical associations have warned that unless the termination order is revoked and hospital security strengthened, the strike will continue, further straining an already overstretched public health system.
