A critical week-long healthcare crisis in Himachal Pradesh has finally been resolved. The state government's decision to review the dismissal of a senior resident doctor, who was accused of assaulting a patient, has led hundreds of striking doctors to return to their duties.
Chief Minister's Intervention Breaks Deadlock
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stepped in on Monday to end the impasse, marking a conciliatory shift in the government's stance. He announced the formation of a specialised committee to re-examine the disciplinary action taken against Dr Raghav Nirula. The doctor was initially terminated from service and his senior residency cancelled following an incident on December 22 at the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla.
Addressing reporters, CM Sukhu stated, "Our government is not here to destroy anyone's career. Any punishment has a defined time period, and the doctor has shown remorse." He confirmed that the new committee would review both the permanent termination and the cancellation of the senior residency, with further action based on its report.
Strike Disrupted Medical Services Statewide
The strike, led by resident doctors protesting in solidarity with their colleague, had severely disrupted medical services across Himachal Pradesh. The doctors were demanding a more transparent and fair disciplinary process. The protest highlighted the tensions within the state's medical infrastructure.
Expressing satisfaction with the resolution, CM Sukhu noted that the medical community had respected the government's request to resume work pending the review. He indicated that while the original dismissal was based on an internal IGMC report, the new committee would adopt a more "sympathetic" approach to the doctors' concerns.
Path Forward and Restoration of Services
"When someone shows such respect [by returning to work], the government will certainly give due consideration to their sentiments," the Chief Minister added. The newly formed committee is expected to submit its findings soon. Government officials clarified that the final administrative decision regarding Dr Nirula's professional status will be guided by the committee's recommendations.
With the doctors calling off their strike, hospitals across the hill state have returned to operating at full capacity, bringing much-needed relief to patients. The resolution underscores the importance of dialogue and review mechanisms in resolving industrial actions within essential services.
