A senior resident doctor at the prestigious Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) in Shimla has been suspended following a shocking incident of violence against a patient. The suspension came after a video of the assault went viral on social media, triggering widespread outrage and protests at the hospital.
Viral Video Captures Shocking Assault
The disturbing incident occurred on Monday within the pulmonary medicine department. The video, recorded by an attendant, shows 31-year-old Dr Raghav Narula, a senior resident, repeatedly and aggressively punching 36-year-old patient Arjun Panwar who was lying on a hospital bed. Another doctor can be seen attempting to intervene by holding Dr Narula's legs, while the patient tries to defend himself. The assault resulted in Panwar sustaining a bloodied nose.
Patient's Account and Immediate Fallout
Arjun Panwar, a resident of Mashaud village in Kupvi subdivision, had visited IGMC on Monday morning for a bronchoscopy test due to shortness of breath. "After the test, I lay down on an empty bed in the pulmonary ward as advised by doctors," Panwar stated. "Dr Raghav came and started questioning me rudely about my presence and my medical reports. When I asked him, 'Is this the way you talk to your family members?' he became enraged and started beating me."
As the video circulated online, Panwar's relatives and friends gathered at IGMC to protest, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused doctor. The police have registered an FIR against Dr Narula based on the complaint.
Official Response and Inquiry
The state government acted swiftly following the public outcry. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu directed the IGMC administration to investigate the matter. A three-member inquiry committee was promptly formed to probe the incident.
Dr Rahul Rao, the Medical Superintendent of IGMC, confirmed the suspension: "After we submitted the committee findings, the state government ordered the suspension of the accused doctor till further notice. A high-powered committee will soon be formed to further investigate the matter."
Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil emphasized that exemplary action would be taken based on the committee's final report. He revealed that "Dr Raghav is a contractual employee and has been with the IGMC since August." The Minister also assured that directions would be issued to prevent such incidents in the future. Regarding the other doctor seen in the video, Shandil said an inquiry is ongoing to determine the involvement of all medical staff present in the ward during the assault.
The incident has raised serious questions about patient safety and conduct within government medical facilities. The formation of a high-powered committee indicates the government's intent to conduct a thorough investigation and possibly implement stricter protocols for staff behavior.
