OPD services resumed as doctors end strike | Constitute new panel to re-look into IGMC incident: CM to health dept

Sukhu instructed the department to introduce mandatory human behaviour and man management courses for the doctors to uphold the ethics of the profession. “The state government is contemplating introducing numbers in the ACR of doctors for their good behaviour with the patients. If any patients or attendants misbehave with doctors, he should report to the seniors.”

The chief minister said the government is filling up the vacant posts of doctors and paramedical staff so that they can discharge their duties without any hassle. “The government has filled up hundreds of posts in the health department, and more posts will be filled up in the coming time. Besides, the government is also mulling over offering incentives to the highly qualified doctors so that more specialists are attracted to the public medical sector.”

Accusing the BJP of “double standard”, Sukhu said, “An Opposition MLA demanded strict action against the doctor, while another sought his reinstatement.”

Sukhu was referring to BJP Chopal MLA Balbir Verma, who backed injured patient Arjun Singh, and BJP Paonta Sahib MLA Sukhram Chaudhary, who urged the CM to revoke Dr Narula’s termination.

A patient-doctor brawl incident took place at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC). (File Photo)

Addressing mediapersons, Sukhu said, “The government does not wish to ruin the career of any doctor and is committed to ensuring justice to both doctors and patients. The termination was not directly ordered by the government, but was based on the hospital’s report.”

Accusing the BJP of politicising the IGMC brawl incident, Sukhu dismissed Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur’s statement.

Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA), IGMC, president Dr Sohel Sharma said the future course of action would be decided at a meeting scheduled on January 3.

The chief minister’s assurance came after resident doctors, interns and medical students went on an indefinite strike, severely disrupting health services at IGMC and other government hospitals across Himachal Pradesh. The RDA, in a statement, said the indefinite strike, which entered its second day on Sunday, was called off with immediate effect in the larger public interest. It said the government assured them that the doctor’s termination could also be revoked.

The controversy began earlier this month after a video showing “a senior resident doctor assaulting a pulmonary patient” went viral on social media. The patient, identified as Arjun Singh, accused the doctor of physical assault during the treatment. Based on a report submitted by the hospital authorities, Dr Narula’s services were terminated, triggering protests by doctors across the state.