A 30-second video from Shimla's Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) shows a masked doctor repeatedly punching a patient on a hospital bed while another restrains his legs. The fight? Patient Arjun Panwar objected to being called "tu" during an argument. Now doctors across Himachal are hitting back with mass casual leave today Dec 26 – threatening full strike from Dec 27 if their colleague isn't reinstated.
The viral CCTV clip exploded Monday: Dr Raghav Narula (31, Pulmonary Medicine resident) allegedly assaults Panwar (34) post-endoscopy when Panwar lay down in another ward complaining of breathing issues. Panwar claims doctor used rude language; Narula says patient attacked first with IV stand + punches, fracturing his hand. Hospital suspended Narula immediately, FIR filed, but doctors claim video is "edited" and patient brought 200+ people to vandalise ward.
Dec 22- Video goes viral. IGMC suspends Dr Narula. Patient FIR filed.
Dec 23- CM Sukhu orders probe. Doctors claim self-defense, demand FIR vs patient mob.
Dec 25- Himachal Medical Officers Association announces mass casual leave Dec 26, RDA threatens strike Dec 27.
Dec 26 (Today) Statewide doctor leave – district hospitals to PHCs affected. Emergency services only. CM meeting at 9 AM.
Scale: HMOA + IGMC RDA = 5,000+ doctors. Routine OPDs, surgeries halted today.
Patient Arjun Panwar (Kupvi resident): "Doctor called me 'tu'. Asked if he talks to family same way. He punched me repeatedly." Claims endoscopy complications led to ward rest.
Dr Raghav Narula (suspended): "Patient abusive, used obscene language vs my family. Grabbed IV stand, punched me (hand fracture + back injury). Self-defense." 8-year service, 5K-7K patients treated.
Doctor Associations: Video "10-sec clip of 10-min fight". Patient brought 200-250 people who damaged property, threatened staff. Demand FIR under BNS vs mob.
OPDs closed district hospitals + PHCs (non-emergency)
Elective surgeries postponed
Emergency services running skeletal staff
Patients advised private hospitals/alternates
Political Heat: BJP MLA Chopal calls incident "shameful". CM Sukhu: "Unimaginable for premier institute". Doctors meeting CM today – strike hangs on outcome.
This isn't isolated:
2023: RML Delhi – 2 doctors assaulted same day
2024: RG Kar Kolkata rape-murder sparked nationwide strike
Stats: 75% doctors faced violence (IMA survey)
Doctors demand: Termination revoked, FIR vs patient mob, hospital security upgrade.
Watch today: If CM meeting fails, Dec 27 full strike cripples Himachal healthcare. Video's 10 seconds sparked statewide shutdown – who's right?
