The Himachal Pradesh government on Wednesday took the stringent step of terminating the services of a senior resident doctor, Dr Raghav Narula, following a physical altercation with a patient at the prestigious Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) in Shimla. The drastic action came just two days after a video of the incident, showing the doctor repeatedly punching the patient, went viral on social media, triggering widespread outrage.
The Incident and Immediate Fallout
The clash occurred on Monday, December 23, and originated from a seemingly trivial issue of address. The patient, Arjun Singh (34), a resident of Kupvi in Shimla, objected to being addressed informally as "tu" (you) by Dr Narula (31), who is a senior resident in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine. Singh, who was breathless and asking for oxygen, claimed he requested the younger doctor to use the more respectful "tum" instead.
The situation escalated rapidly, leading to Dr Narula punching Singh in the face and chest multiple times. The patient also attempted to kick the doctor in retaliation. Another doctor was seen in the viral video trying to restrain the patient's legs. Following the circulation of the video, the doctor was initially suspended. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu took serious note and directed authorities to complete an inquiry within 24 hours and take necessary action at the earliest.
Inquiry Findings and Government Action
The disciplinary inquiry committee of IGMC submitted a preliminary report, which was forwarded to the government. While the committee concluded that both the doctor and the patient were responsible for the incident, the government proceeded with termination against the medical professional.
An order issued by the state's Department of Health and Family Welfare stated that Dr Raghav Narula has been removed from service after the inquiry found him involved in the altercation. The termination was executed under Clause 9 of the Resident Doctor Policy, 2025. The Directorate of Medical Education (DME) formalized the dismissal with an order on December 24.
"On the basis of findings, the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) issued orders on December 24 terminating the services of Dr Narula from the post of senior resident in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, IGMC," a senior officer confirmed.
Conflicting Narratives and Broader Implications
The incident has sparked a debate with conflicting accounts. In his police complaint, Arjun Singh alleged physical assault by Dr Narula and another doctor, Dr Nikhil. A new video that surfaced later showed Dr Narula telling the patient, "You are merely four years elder to me," as he moved away from the bed.
The Resident Doctors Association of IGMC came to the defence of their colleague. They claimed the patient "misbehaved and used abusive language" against the doctor and his family when questioned about his medical records. The association also highlighted the intrusion of an agitated mob into the hospital, which attempted to target the doctors, who had to be secured in a chamber under police protection.
Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil termed the event "unfortunate and unimaginable" for an institution of IGMC's stature and assured that all angles were being probed.
The case has ignited discussions in medical and administrative circles about workplace conduct, deteriorating patient-doctor relationships, and the increasing influence of viral social media videos on institutional disciplinary processes. A police investigation based on the First Information Report (FIR) is ongoing, and further legal proceedings are expected.
