Himachal doctors' strike ends: CM Sukhu intervenes; promises review of medic's sacking
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhi (File photo/ANI)
Shimla: A week-long healthcare crisis in Himachal Pradesh has eased after the state govt agreed to review the sacking of a senior resident for assaulting a patient, prompting hundreds of striking doctors to return to their wards.Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu intervened to end the deadlock on Monday, signalling a conciliatory shift by promising a fresh inquiry into the dismissal of Dr Raghav Nirula following a Dec 22 incident at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC). The CM announced the formation of a specialised committee to re-examine the disciplinary action, which had initially resulted in the immediate termination of Dr Nirula's service and residency.
Chandigarh Headlines Today — The Biggest Updates You Need to Know.
Sukhu told reporters: "Our govt is not here to destroy anyone's career. Any punishment has a defined time period, and the doctor has shown remorse. We will constitute a new committee to review both matters and act based on their report." The committee is tasked with two specific objectives — reviewing the permanent termination of service, while also reviewing the cancellation of the senior residency.The strike had significantly disrupted medical services across the state as resident doctors rallied behind their colleague, demanding a more transparent disciplinary process.
Sukhu expressed satisfaction that the medical community had respected a request from the govt to resume work while the review takes place. He noted that while the initial dismissal was based on an internal IGMC report, the new committee would take a more "sympathetic" approach to the doctors' concerns.The CM said: "When someone shows such respect [by returning to work], the govt will certainly give due consideration to their sentiments." The new committee is expected to submit its findings shortly. Govt officials stated that final administrative actions regarding Dr Nirula's status will be dictated by the committee's recommendations. For now, hospitals across the state have returned to full capacity.