Himachal Pradesh Doctor Strike

Healthcare services in India — Himachal Pradesh are facing major disruption due to a protest by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (RDA) of Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) and Hospital, Shimla. The protest stems from the termination of Dr Raghav Nirula, a senior resident, following a physical altercation with a patient, Arjun Pawar, on December 22. A viral video of the incident led to public outrage and pressure on the India — Himachal Pradesh state government, which subsequently terminated Dr Nirula's services based on inquiry reports. The RDA, supported by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, Himachal Medical Officers Association, and Ladakh Medical Association, has announced a mass casual leave on December 26 and threatened an indefinite strike from December 27 if their demands are not met. Key demands include the immediate revocation of Dr Nirula's dismissal, registration of an FIR against an individual who allegedly threatened the doctor, legal action for damaged government property, and a comprehensive review of security lapses at IGMC. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has stated that the doctor's conduct was unacceptable but also mentioned efforts to improve doctor safety.