Healthcare workers demand action after mob storms Kullu hospital
More than 200 doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff from Regional Hospital Kullu, along with private practitioners, held a peaceful protest march on Tuesday and submitted a memorandum to the Additional District Magistrate and Assistant Superintendent of Police. The protest, organized by the Himachal Medical Officers Association (HMOA) Kullu Branch and the Indian Medical Association (IMA), demanded strict action against those responsible for mob attacks on June 26 and 29.
The protesters marched from the hospital to the district administration office, carrying placards and chanting slogans. They submitted a memorandum that called for immediate registration of an FIR against social media accounts and individuals who allegedly incited the mob, a cyber forensic investigation into the online mobilization, permanent police deployment at the hospital, and protection for doctors from arbitrary administrative action driven by mob pressure.
Mob of up to 3,000 stormed hospital after maternal death
Addressing the media, Dr. Rajender Kohli recounted the events of June 26, when an estimated crowd of 2,000 to 2,500 people allegedly stormed Regional Hospital after being mobilized through social media following a maternal death. “They barged through the gates and entered the hospital premises. They gathered in the garden area where patients and attendants rest and began shouting slogans. We were called murderers and butchers. Our nurses were threatened and they demanded that the concerned doctors and nurses be brought before them,” Dr. Kohli said.
“What was the meaning of bringing them before 2,000 people? They wanted mob lynching,” he added, warning that the situation could have turned catastrophic if healthcare workers had been physically handed over to the crowd. Dr. Satyavrat Vaidya noted that a mob of 3,000 people came to the hospital and disrupted work, and that Supreme Court guidelines were not followed. He said healthcare workers are now living in fear.
Medical staff continued work despite threats
Speaking on behalf of the association, Dr. Kalyan said medical staff continued providing treatment despite the hostile atmosphere. “We have not stopped working. We worked in that difficult situation and we know how we managed,” he said. The memorandum also highlighted that healthcare workers seek a safe working environment to carry out emergency surgeries and critical care.
Private practitioners and representatives of all categories of healthcare workers joined the protest. Dr. Vaidya expressed concern over how the mob was allowed entry, stating, “We don’t know who allowed them and how it was permitted. The Supreme Court guidelines were not followed.”
Social media backlash and public counterclaims
Meanwhile, social media platforms saw posts criticizing the doctors’ protest. Some members of the public claimed that the demand was only for action against the concerned doctor and nurses, and that no physical harm was caused. It was also alleged that previous FIRs had been registered against the doctor concerned, a native of Lahaul, and that several aggrieved individuals had earlier raised concerns over the doctor’s behavior and treatment.
The district administration has assured the doctors that the matter will be taken seriously and forwarded to appropriate authorities. The HMOA has also sought the intervention of the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary, urging immediate action to restore institutional order and ensure the safety of healthcare workers and patients.
Doctors warn of breakdown in health services
The doctors warned that failure to act promptly could lead to a breakdown in health services across the region because of deep-seated fear among medical staff. They reiterated their commitment to providing uninterrupted medical care but stressed that a safe and secure working environment is essential. The protest concluded with a call for permanent police deployment at the hospital and protection from mob pressure.
