Scuffle between patient and doctor inside hospital sparks public anger

Shimla (The Uttam Hindu): Anger erupted among the public after a scuffle between a patient and a doctor at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), the largest government hospital in Himachal Pradesh. A video of the incident went viral on social media, triggering widespread outrage.

According to available information, the incident took place on Monday around noon in the Pulmonary and Chest Department. The patient, identified as 36-year-old Arjun Panwar, is a resident of Kupvi tehsil in Shimla district and had come to the hospital for an endoscopy procedure.

After the endoscopy, the patient reportedly faced breathing difficulties and lay down on a bed in another ward. During a routine ward round, an argument broke out over the patient occupying the bed, which later escalated into a physical altercation.

A short video clip of the scuffle, reportedly recorded by an attendant, spread rapidly online. Following this, relatives of patients and local residents gathered at IGMC, demanding strict action against those involved.

Protesters demanded immediate action, including the suspension of the doctor involved. Police were deployed at the hospital to maintain law and order. Confirming administrative action, the Senior Medical Superintendent said an FIR has been registered based on the complaint filed by the patient’s attendant. Hospital authorities have initiated an internal inquiry, and the accused doctor has been relieved of duty until the investigation is completed.