Govt docs in Himachal to go on indefinite strike from today
Shimla, Dec. 27 -- The Resident Doctors Association (RDA) on Friday announced an indefinite strike beginning December 27, pressing for revocation of termination orders for senior resident Dr Raghav Narula, and registration of FIR against those allegedly involved in mob intimidation inside the hospital premises on December 22.
Citing safety concerns, RDA said all resident doctors of Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC), Shimla, all medical colleges in the state and Himachal Medical Officers Association (HMOA) will join the strike from 9.30 am on December 27. During the strike, routine services, outpatient departments (OPDs) and selective operation theatres will remain closed, however, emergency services will continue to function.
Earlier during the day, the RDA held a meeting with chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu where he had assured re-investigation into the matter. However, the doctors say the strike will continue till their demands are met.
RDA president Dr Sohil Sharma, speaking to HT, said, "CM assured us that an inquiry would be conducted again. Our main demand is regarding revocation of Dr Narula's termination of services. We are not satisfied with the report given by the committee. They have ruined Narula's career. We will continue the indefinite strike till our demands are met."
RDA said that the meeting also reviewed what the doctors termed as "serious security lapses" at IGMC, which allegedly led to mob trials and media trials within the hospital premises. The association reiterated demands, including the immediate revocation of the termination order issued against Dr Narula. It also demanded registration of FIRs and initiation of legal proceedings over what it described as mob intimidation and vandalism of government property inside the hospital, citing provisions under the BNS.
The RDA further alleged direct threats to the life of Dr Narula and sought immediate police action, along with a comprehensive review to fix accountability for the non-implementation of previously identified CCTV and security gaps at IGMC, which, according to the doctors, contributed to the incident.
The incident, which occurred on December 22, involved Dr Narula and patient Arjun Pawar, 36, from Chopal. In addition to Dr Narula's dismissal, an FIR was registered against him under relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. While the state government acted swiftly to terminate his services on Wednesday, the RDA contends the action was disproportionate, especially since a college inquiry committee reportedly found both the patient and the doctor responsible for the incident.
Meanwhile, the day-long mass casual leave protest on Friday crippled the health services in IGMC. OPD services were disrupted across various hospitals in the state, including Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, Zonal Hospital, Dharamshala, along with others.
Targeting the Himachal government over the ongoing issue, former CM Jai Ram Thakur wrote, "The ambulance workers are already on strike, and now doctors are also going on strike at a time when already half of the medical college doctors are already on leave due to the winter vacation. With ambulance workers on strike, how will people reach the hospital in an emergency? How will people receive treatment? What is happening in the name of Vyavatha Parivartan?"
He said that the state government has developed a tendency to take decisions without proper consideration and in haste. In this entire episode, however, the decision to suspend the doctor was correct so that it would serve as a lesson and lead to improvements in the future but the government took the decision in haste. Such incidents tarnish the image of the state.
Meanwhile, the Himachal Pradesh State Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) accused the BJP of not behaving as a responsible opposition party. They also termed the Congress government's action as a panic reaction, which takes place when the ship is sinking....
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