TNR News Network
Shimla: The indefinite strike by resident doctors in Himachal Pradesh may have been officially called off, but hospitals, especially Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) in Shimla, are yet to return to normal.
Even as the government claims a breakthrough and OPD services resume at some centres, the absence of many resident doctors has raised a troubling question: if the strike is over, why are hospital corridors still short of caregivers?
On Monday (December 29, 2025), OPD services restarted at Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) Hospital, with long queues of patients seeking delayed treatment. At IGMC, however, several resident doctors have stayed away from duties, reflecting unresolved internal differences within the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) and persistent concerns over workplace safety.
CM’s message prompts rollback of strike
The decision to end the strike followed Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s message after his return from New Delhi. The CM made it clear that talks would take place only after doctors resumed work. Acting on this, the RDA (IGMC unit) announced the withdrawal of the indefinite strike, citing assurances from the state government.
According to the association, the Chief Minister has promised a detailed inquiry into the incident that sparked the agitation and has assured reconsideration of the dismissal order against senior resident Dr Raghav Nirula. Trusting the assurances and citing public interest, the RDA announced the end of the protest late Sunday evening after a meeting.
RDA president Dr Sohail Sharma said the association would cooperate with the inquiry until the dismissal order was formally revoked and would hold another meeting on January 3 to decide the future course of action.
Agitation began over dismissal, drew statewide support
The doctors’ agitation began on December 26 after the state government dismissed Dr Nirula in connection with a patient assault case. Terming the action harsh and unilateral, the RDA and Himachal Pradesh Medical Officers Association first went on mass leave before launching an indefinite strike from December 27.
The protest received widespread backing from medical bodies, including state and national resident doctors’ associations, medical teachers’ associations and other healthcare groups. Services across major government hospitals were affected, causing hardship to patients, particularly in tertiary care centres like IGMC.
Split within RDA: Safety concerns keep doctors away
Despite the formal announcement ending the strike, the RDA has split into two groups. A dissenting faction has refused to resume work, insisting that safety concerns must be addressed first. On Sunday, members of this group staged a protest at IGMC gates, raising slogans such as “We want justice”.
These doctors alleged verbal abuse, threats and intimidation by patients’ attendants, saying the hospital lacked basic security infrastructure. They pointed to the absence of CCTV cameras, inadequate security staff and the lack of proper duty rooms for women doctors. Until the government issues a clear standard operating procedure (SOP) ensuring safety, they say returning to work was not an option.
Earlier, CM Sukhu had said the government did not intend to ruin any doctor’s career and acknowledged its responsibility to ensure doctors’ safety. Urging doctors to resume duties, he promised dialogue and resolution once normalcy is restored.
