Following assurances from Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu that the government would review the termination of a doctor, resident doctors in Himachal Pradesh have called off their indefinite strike. The strike, which severely impacted healthcare services across the state, saw doctors protesting the termination of a senior resident at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla following an alleged assault on a patient.
The Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) at IGMC Shimla announced the withdrawal of the strike on Sunday, December 28, 2025, citing the Chief Minister's promise to launch a thorough investigation into the incident and reconsider the termination of Dr. Raghav Narula. In a press statement, the RDA conveyed their trust in the Chief Minister's word and emphasized the decision to end the strike was made in the broader public interest. However, the association has made it clear that they will closely monitor the inquiry process and will reconvene on January 3, 2026, to decide on further action if the termination order is not revoked by then.
The strike, which commenced on Saturday, December 27, 2025, led to the disruption of routine services, the closure of elective operation theaters, and the postponement of surgeries in major hospitals, including IGMC Shimla and Dr. RPGMC Tanda. Outpatient departments (OPDs) were also significantly affected, causing considerable inconvenience to patients, especially those traveling from remote areas. Emergency services remained functional during the strike, with consultants attending to indoor patients.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had appealed to the doctors to end their strike and resume their duties, emphasizing that the government is committed to protecting both doctors and patients. He highlighted the steps his government has taken to reduce stress among resident doctors, including reducing duty hours from 48 to 12 hours and increasing their stipend. Sukhu also assured that the government would bring new guidelines and directions to ensure the security of doctors inside hospitals.
The incident that triggered the strike occurred on December 22, involving Dr. Raghav Narula and a 36-year-old patient, Arjun Pawar. A video surfaced showing Dr. Narula in a physical altercation with Pawar, leading to the doctor's termination. The state government's decision to terminate Dr. Narula's services within 48 hours was met with strong opposition from the medical fraternity, who deemed it unjustified.
With the strike now over, healthcare services are expected to return to normal, providing immediate relief to thousands of patients who were affected by the disruption. While the situation remains sensitive, doctors have placed their trust in the government's assurances, but retain the option to take further action depending on the outcome of the inquiry. The RDA has expressed gratitude to resident doctors across the state and country for their support during the strike, as well as acknowledging the support from other medical associations.
