Shimla: In a move aimed at restoring trust between doctors and patients, the Himachal Pradesh government has announced a new system of behavior based rewards for medical professionals. The decision comes days after a doctor patient altercation at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Shimla sparked public debate and unrest within the medical community.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the government wants to encourage empathy, professionalism, and respectful communication in public hospitals while also ensuring doctors feel supported and secure at work.
Speaking on January 2, Chief Minister Sukhu said doctors who demonstrate courteous behavior and patient friendly conduct will be formally recognized. The government is considering linking behavioral performance to Annual Confidential Reports, which play a role in career progression, postings, and promotions.
He said that while doctors work under pressure and long hours, patients often arrive in hospitals frightened and distressed. Mutual respect, he said, must remain central to healthcare delivery. The state aims to create an environment where compassion and professionalism are valued alongside clinical skills.
The policy announcement follows an incident at IGMC Shimla on December 22, 2025, when a disagreement between a senior resident doctor and a patient escalated into a physical altercation. The dispute reportedly began over how the patient was addressed during treatment.
A video of the incident circulated widely, triggering strong reactions from both the public and medical associations. The doctor was initially terminated from service, a decision that led to protests and a strike by resident doctors across the state.
In an attempt to defuse tensions, both the doctor and the patient later met in the presence of Naresh Chauhan, Principal Media Advisor to the Chief Minister. During the meeting, both parties expressed regret and apologized publicly for their actions.
A government appointed inquiry committee concluded that responsibility lay with both sides. Following consultations with doctors’ bodies and senior officials, the government decided to withdraw the termination order and set up a fresh committee to review the matter more comprehensively.
Resident doctors across Himachal Pradesh suspended work for two days in protest against the termination. Emergency services continued, but routine care was disrupted in several hospitals. The strike ended after Chief Minister Sukhu assured doctors that the case would be reviewed fairly and that their concerns regarding safety and workload would be addressed.
The government has also promised to fill vacant posts in public hospitals and introduce training focused on communication skills and patient management.
(Rh/ARC)