By: Express News ServiceDecember 28, 2025 06:40 PM IST 3 min readMeanwhile, there was no immediate response from the RDA, IGMC Shimla, which has been on an indefinite strike since 9.30 am Saturday. (ANI Photo)Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Sunday urged the protesting doctors to end their indefinite strike demanding the reinstatement of Dr Ragav Narula, a senior resident doctor who was dismissed for allegedly assaulting a pulmonary patient at IGMC Shimla on December 22.CM Sukhu appealed to the protesting doctors to call off their indefinite strike and resume duties from Monday. Addressing the media after returning from Delhi, where he attended a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, Sukhu said that a delegation of the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) had met him two days earlier.“I had assured them that the matter would be examined and the decision to terminate Dr Narula’s services would be reviewed. Unfortunately, instead of trusting my assurance, the doctors chose to go on an indefinite strike. They should withdraw the strike,” he said.The Chief Minister emphasised that violence cannot be justified under any circumstances. “The patient is also part of our family, and so is the doctor. Himachal Pradesh is a small state. Every problem has a solution, and this issue will also be resolved, but first, the doctors must end their strike,” he added. Sukhu also appreciated a section of doctors who condemned the alleged assault while seeking a re-examination of the termination order.Meanwhile, there was no immediate response from the RDA, IGMC Shimla, which has been on an indefinite strike since 9.30 am Saturday. On Friday, doctors had proceeded on mass casual leave. The strike has also been supported by the Himachal Medical Officers Association (HMOA), while the State Medical and Dental Officers’ Confederation (SEMDICOT) has extended support. As a result, health services were affected Saturday across all medical colleges, zonal hospitals, and Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in the state.In view of the disruption, the state government issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure uninterrupted emergency services. Leaves of principals, additional directors, and medical superintendents of all medical colleges have been cancelled, and they have been directed to remain present in hospitals. Senior and specialist doctors have been instructed to report to the outpatient departments (OPDs).Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil termed the strike inappropriate, stating that doctors should not resort to strikes, as they affect public health services. He said emergency services would not be allowed to suffer and warned that each health institution would prepare daily reports detailing the deployment and attendance of doctors. He added that any negligence in emergency services would not be tolerated and expressed hope that the matter could be resolved through dialogue.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Shimla