In a swift resolution to a brewing crisis, the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) at the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla called off its indefinite strike on Sunday. This decision came within hours of a direct appeal from Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who assured a review of a contentious termination order and a detailed inquiry.
Chief Minister's Direct Appeal Brings Doctors Back
The strike action was initiated by the doctors' body earlier on Sunday. However, the situation changed rapidly after Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu publicly addressed the issue. Expressing his disappointment, CM Sukhu remarked that the doctors had chosen to strike instead of placing their trust in him and his government. He directly urged the protesting medicos to resume their duties from Monday, giving a clear assurance that government decisions are always open to review.
Assurances on Inquiry and Reinstatement
The core of the dispute was the termination of Dr Raghav Narula. Following the CM's intervention, the state government provided concrete assurances to the RDA. The chief minister promised that a detailed and fair inquiry would be conducted into the entire matter surrounding Dr Narula's dismissal. Crucially, he also assured that the termination order itself would be revoked pending the inquiry's findings.
These assurances proved decisive. RDA president Sohil Sharma issued a formal statement announcing the withdrawal of the strike. "Following the assurance given by the CM that a detailed inquiry would be conducted into the matter and the termination of Dr Narula would be revoked, the indefinite strike has been withdrawn," Sharma stated. He added that the RDA would remain "completely vested in the inquiry" process.
Swift Resolution Averts Healthcare Disruption
The quick calling off of the strike prevented potential major disruptions in healthcare services at IGMC-Shimla, a key medical institution in the state. The episode highlights the power of direct dialogue between the government and healthcare professionals. While the specific details leading to Dr Narula's initial termination were not elaborated in the public statements, the government's willingness to review its decision paved the way for an immediate resolution.
The focus now shifts to the promised detailed inquiry, which will determine the final outcome of the case. For now, normalcy has been restored at the medical college, thanks to the swift political intervention and the doctors' association's decision to heed the CM's appeal.
