Doctor Terminated Following Patient Altercation at IGMC Shimla Amid Findings of Misconduct

The Himachal Pradesh government terminated a senior resident doctor at IGMC Shimla after a physical altercation with a patient. Both parties were found at fault for misconduct and violation of the Resident Doctor Policy-2025.

The Himachal Pradesh government has dismissed a senior resident doctor following a physical altercation with a patient at Indira Gandhi Medical College. Officials cited "misconduct," "misbehaviour," and actions "unbecoming of a public servant" as reasons for the termination. A committee's report found both the patient, Arjun Singh, and Dr. Raghav Narula responsible for the incident.

A video of the altercation in the pulmonary ward on Monday showed Dr. Narula punching Singh, while Singh attempted to kick back. The confrontation led to Narula's suspension that evening. The patient, Arjun Singh, who teaches at a private academy in Shimla, had visited the hospital for a bronchoscopy and experienced breathlessness afterward.

Incident Sparks Protests and Legal Action

Singh alleged that the conflict began when Dr. Narula addressed him disrespectfully using "tu" instead of "tum." This choice of words reportedly made Narula aggressive. However, Narula claimed Singh provoked him with abusive language directed at him and his family. He argued that the viral video only shows part of the story.

The altercation led to protests at the hospital by Singh's relatives and other patients demanding Narula's arrest. Police intervention was necessary to calm the situation. An FIR has been filed against Dr. Narula by Singh's attendants, adding legal complications to the case.

Medical Association Demands Fair Investigation

The Shimla Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers (SAMDCOT) called for a fair investigation into the incident. They warned of a statewide movement if legal action isn't taken against those who allegedly incited the crowd. The association stressed that harassment and unsafe conditions are forcing doctors to act collectively for their safety.

SAMDCOT highlighted that such conditions impact patient care and emphasised that hospitals must be safe spaces for both patients and healthcare providers. They urged authorities to ensure transparency in handling such incidents to maintain trust in medical institutions.

The official order terminating Dr. Narula's services cited Clause 9 of the Resident Doctor Policy-2025. It stated that both parties were responsible for misconduct and violation of this policy. The decision underscores the importance of maintaining professional conduct within healthcare settings.

With inputs from PTI