IGMC Shimla: Over 2,000 resident doctors launch indefinite strike over colleague's termination

The strike was called by the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA), IGMC Shimla, a day after they collectively went on a mass leave, along with the Himachal Medical Officers Association (HMOA) and have threatened an indefinite strike if the government failed to address their demands by December 27, 2025.

The protest comes in the wake of the incident on December 22 at IGMC, in which the resident doctor overnight became the centre of controversy after a viral video showed him punching a patient multiple times in the face, and the patient kicking on while lying on the bed. The footage triggered widespread public outrage and put the state government under pressure amid its stated push for healthcare reforms. 

Also read- IGMC Shimla Doctors on mass leave seeking reinstatement of resident doctor

Following the incident, Shimla Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) at Shimla Sadar police station under Sections 125(a), 115(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. On Wednesday, the state government terminated the doctor's services after receiving reports from the IGMC administration and the college inquiry committee. The inquiry committee had reportedly concluded that both the doctor and the patient were responsible for the altercation.

Calling the doctor’s termination “unfair” and an “injustice,” the RDA demanded the immediate revocation of the termination order. The doctors said the affected resident was punished without being given a proper chance to present his side. They alleged that he was terminated without a detailed and impartial investigation, while no action has been taken against the patient who allegedly committed violence against the doctor.

Medical Dialogues had reported about the doctor's clarification. The doctor claimed that the patient became angry, abused him and physically assaulted him first. The doctor stated that the patient became abusive and non-cooperative, used derogatory and obscene language, and then physically assaulted him by punching and kicking him. He further alleged that the patient attempted to attack him again and issued death threats during the altercation.

Backing the doctor, several associations, including Resident Doctors' Association (RDA), Himachal Medical Officers Association (HMOA), Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) and others came in support of the two doctors.

Yesterday, RDA president, Dr Sohil Sharma, said the association would first seek dialogue with the government. "We are meeting the Chief Minister on December 26 morning. The association has announced that resident doctors will proceed on a one-day mass casual leave on December 26. If our demands are not addressed within the stipulated time, we will be forced to go on strike from December 27 at 9:30 am," Dr Sharma said, news agency ANI reported.

In a letter addressed to the Principal of IGMC on December 26, the association said that doctors met the Chief Minister at Oak Over, where the incident was discussed in detail. During the meeting, the Chief Minister assured that an enquiry would be initiated after considering all the evidence presented and submitted.

The letter also highlighted security lapses at IGMC Shimla, which the association said led to mob intimidation and media trials within the hospital premises. The RDA IGMC Shimla stated that it is standing firm on the following demands:

• Immediate revocation of the termination order issued against Dr ***.
• An incident amounting to mob intimidation/trial occurred within the premises of IGMC Shimla, severely threatening the safety and working environment of healthcare professionals and disrupting routine hospital functions. It is demanded that an FIR be registered and legal proceedings be initiated immediately under Sections 351,351(3),352, 61,62,190,191of BNS.
• Acts of vandalism of government property were allegedly carried out by a mob. It is demanded that immediate legal action be initiated against the perpetrators in accordance with applicable laws.
• A direct threat to the life of Dr *** and an alleged threat compelling him to leave the nation were reportedly issued by Mr Naresh Dasta. It is demanded that an FIR be lodged and appropriate legal action be initiated immediately, under Sections 351,351(3),352, 61,62,190,191of BNS.
• A comprehensive review and accountability determination is demanded regarding the non-implementation of previously highlighted CCTV coverage gaps and security deficiencies at IGMC Shimla, despite prior gap analysis, which allegedly contributed to the occurrence of this grave incident.

"All the Residents of Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla has decided to proceed with an indefinite strike from 27/12/2025 9:30 AM onwards, in which all routine services, elective operation theatres and outpatient departments will remain closed. However, emergency services will remain functional," mentioned the letter.

Showing support to the affected doctors, Dr Dhruv Chauhan, National Spokesperson of Indian Medical Association Junior Doctors Network (IMA-JDN) said in a post on 'X', "Everyone needs to come out in support of the IGMC Shimla doctors. Unity is the need of the hour, or else the professional integrity will collapse"

Similarly, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) issued a press release condemning the termination of Dr ***, calling it unfair and saying it was done without a detailed and impartial investigation. The association said that so far, no action has been taken against those who allegedly attacked the on-duty doctor and issued threats.

FAIMA has demanded a fair, transparent, and unbiased inquiry to shed light on the exact sequence of events leading to the final altercation between doctor and patient. 

"We stand in strong solidarity with RDA IGMC and will continue to fight until justice is served. We urge the government to urgently reinforce safety and security measures in hospitals across India, ensuring that doctors can serve patients in a safe and secure working environment," the association said. 

Also read- IGMC Shimla Viral Video: Second doctor named in FIR, counter-complaint filed