Controversial Incident at IGMC Shimla
Allegations Against Senior Resident Doctor
A senior resident doctor in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, is facing significant scrutiny following a viral video that allegedly depicts him punching a patient multiple times. This incident has led to widespread public outrage and protests at the hospital.
Immediate Disciplinary Action
In response to the incident, the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) issued an official order removing the senior resident from his position effective immediately, as per Clause-9 of the Resident Doctor Policy, 2025. This decision came after a three-member disciplinary inquiry committee was formed by IGMC administration to investigate the viral footage, as reported by news agency UNI.
Doctor’s Defense
The doctor involved, who gained notoriety overnight due to the incident, provided his perspective, asserting that the patient had initially become enraged, verbally abused him, and physically assaulted him.
Findings of the Inquiry Committee
The inquiry committee submitted its preliminary report to the government after reviewing video footage, statements from those involved, and hospital records related to the December 22 incident. The investigation revealed that a physical altercation occurred between the patient, identified as Arjun, aged 36, and the doctor due to a dispute in the Pulmonary Medicine ward.
Conclusions on Misconduct
The report indicated that both the doctor and the patient, along with their attendants, exhibited misconduct and misbehavior. However, the disciplinary committee noted that both parties shared some responsibility and recommended strict consequences for the doctor, citing violations of service conduct rules and the Resident Doctor Policy.
Subsequent Actions Taken
Following the committee’s recommendations, the DMER initially suspended the doctor pending further investigation and later terminated his residency services after reviewing the inquiry report. Additionally, an FIR has been filed against the doctor based on complaints from the patient’s attendants, and the case is currently under police investigation.
Further Investigations and Public Response
In a separate initiative, a government-constituted inquiry committee has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation into all aspects of the incident, with a fact-finding report expected within 72 hours. The situation has prompted protests from relatives of patients and segments of the public at IGMC, who are calling for immediate action against the doctor.
Hospital Authorities’ Stance
Hospital officials have stated that the situation is under control and emphasized the government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy regarding violence and misconduct in healthcare settings. They indicated that any further actions would depend on the final inquiry report and the outcome of the ongoing police investigation.