Shimla, Dec 27 (UNI) Considering the indefinite strike called by resident doctors across Himachal Pradesh from Saturday, the state Health Department on Friday issued detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure uninterrupted medical services in all government medical colleges and hospitals.
The Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, began an indefinite strike on Saturday (December 27), with backing from the Himachal Medical Officers Association and RDAs of other medical colleges. The strike is being held to demand the reinstatement of Dr Raghav Narula, who was sacked on the recommendations of a probe report for allegedly assaulting a patient on December 22. Government doctors’ facilities across the state are expected to join the strike.
The RDA held a meeting with chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu where he had assured re-investigation into the matter.
Meanwhile, the state government is reportedly considering invoking the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) if the strike continues, though it is awaiting the outcome of another inquiry into the December 22 incident at IGMC before taking a final decision.
The SOPs were circulated by the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) to principals of all government medical colleges in view of the ongoing strike called by Resident Doctors’ Associations (RDAs).
The agitation follows the termination of Senior Resident Dr Raghav Nirula of IGMC’s Pulmonary Medicine Department after a doctor–patient brawl on December 22.
As per the SOPs, emergency services will continue round the clock without interruption, with junior residents, senior residents, and faculty assigned emergency duties required to remain available 24×7.
OPD services and daily ward rounds for admitted patients are to be conducted regularly, while routine elective surgeries will remain suspended during the strike period. Emergency surgical procedures will be performed strictly as per established protocols.
Radiological services, including X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI, have been directed to function on priority for indoor and emergency patients. Laboratory services in pathology, biochemistry, and microbiology will continue without interruption. Academic activities, including undergraduate teaching and examinations, will proceed as scheduled.
The SOPs place direct responsibility on Heads of Departments to prepare duty rosters and ensure uninterrupted services, while principals have been asked to review hospital functioning daily at 4 pm and report compliance to the DMER.
Faculty winter vacations may be curtailed if required, and senior administrators have been barred from proceeding on leave during this period. Any dereliction of duty will invite disciplinary action.
