Doctor Assaults Patient at IGMC in Shimla: Family Demands Action
A shocking video of a doctor physically assaulting a patient at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, has set off a firestorm, with the patient's family and healthcare activists demanding immediate action against the perpetrator. The incident, which occurred on December 21, 2025, is a stark reminder of the deep-seated problems plaguing India's public healthcare system.
Arjun Panwar, a patient from the Kupvi/Chopal area, had visited the hospital for medical tests and was undergoing treatment for breathing difficulties. As he lay down on a hospital bed in another ward, the conflict escalated between Panwar and Dr. SAR, a specialist in the pulmonary medicine department. According to eyewitnesses, Dr. SAR began behaving rudely towards Panwar without provocation, which led to a heated argument. The viral 16-second video shows the patient kicking at the doctor from the hospital bed, after which Dr. SAR retaliated with punches, resulting in a brief but intense physical altercation.
The patient's family and attendants alleged that the dispute originated from procedural delays during a routine check for breathing issues. They claim that Dr. SAR dismissed Panwar's polite request for courteous language with informal and rude responses, which escalated tensions. "We cannot tolerate such arrogance from those meant to heal us," expressed one attendant, reflecting the anger felt by those dependent on public healthcare.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with Health Minister Colonel Dhani Ram Shandil responding swiftly to the incident, declaring that such behavior would not be tolerated in any government hospital. The minister promised a detailed investigation with strict action as per rules. Opposition leader Jai Ram Thakur demanded an impartial investigation to uphold healthcare ethics and prevent future lapses.
Hospital authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, though no official statement has been released at the time of reporting. The hospital's response has focused on conducting a detailed probe rather than making immediate public statements about the findings.
This incident reflects broader tensions within India's public healthcare system, where doctor-patient conflicts have become increasingly visible through social media documentation. The incident at IGMC Shimla highlights several systemic issues: procedural delays in public hospitals, communication breakdowns between healthcare providers and patients, and the escalation of minor disputes into physical confrontations.
The viral nature of the video—accumulating thousands of views across Instagram and YouTube—demonstrates how social media amplifies such incidents and mobilizes public opinion rapidly. This has put a spotlight on the need for hospitals to adopt more patient-centric approaches, invest in professional conduct standards, and establish robust mechanisms for addressing grievances without resorting to physical confrontation.
The implications of this incident go beyond the immediate case. It raises questions about professional conduct standards, patient rights, and the mechanisms available for addressing grievances without resorting to physical confrontation. The incident may intensify scrutiny on medical professionals' behavior and patient treatment protocols, ultimately leading to a more responsive and accountable healthcare system.
As the investigation unfolds, one thing is clear: the public's faith in the healthcare system can only be restored by swift and decisive action against those responsible. The question is, will the authorities take the necessary steps to address the underlying issues and ensure that such incidents never happen again? Only time will tell.
📰 Source: India Today - Education
