Haryana Doctors Call Off Strike After Security Suspensions

March 9, 2026

Government doctors in Haryana have ended their strike after the state administration suspended six security personnel in connection with an alleged assault on a doctor at a Community Health Centre (CHC) in Gharaunda, Karnal district. The strike, which had disrupted outpatient services across government hospitals, was called off on Sunday evening following action taken against the personnel accused of negligence of duty.

The decision to resume normal services came after a state‑level meeting of the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA), which had initiated the strike to protest the incident and demand accountability from the authorities.

Why the Strike Started

The doctors’ protest was triggered by an incident on Holi evening, when Dr Prashant Chauhan, on duty at the CHC in Gharaunda, was allegedly assaulted by police personnel. The assault sparked widespread anger among the medical fraternity in the state, prompting HCMSA to call for suspension of services as a form of protest against alleged police misconduct.

Initially, doctors in Karnal suspended all health services, including emergency care. Soon after, HCMSA extended the strike to suspend outpatient department (OPD) services statewide, which significantly affected routine healthcare services at government hospitals in multiple districts.

Despite the protest, emergency services continued to operate throughout most of the strike to prevent critical patients from suffering due to lack of care.

Suspension of Security Personnel

Authorities responded to the doctors’ demands by suspending four home guards, one assistant sub‑inspector (ASI) and one constable in connection with the alleged assault and dereliction of duty. The SHO (station house officer) responsible for the area had already been suspended earlier.

Superintendent of Police Narender Bijarniya confirmed the suspensions and appreciated the doctors for calling off the strike in the interest of the general public. The suspensions were seen as a major step in addressing the medical community’s concerns and restoring trust between healthcare professionals and law enforcement.

Doctors Agree to Resume Work

After detailed discussions with state HCMSA officials, doctors agreed to call off their strike. HCMSA state president Dr Anil Yadav said that the association decided to resume work with immediate effect in recognition of the action taken against the security personnel.

Doctors have also vowed to support Dr Prashant Chauhan and his family in their pursuit of justice. The association indicated that they would help the doctor’s family in efforts to register an FIR against the SHO and other personnel allegedly involved in the assault.

All health services in government hospitals, including OPDs, are expected to resume from Monday, easing the strain on patients and families who had faced difficulties accessing routine healthcare during the strike.

Impact on Healthcare Services

The strike had caused significant disruption to regular healthcare services in the state, with OPDs closed at many government facilities. Patients in districts such as Jhajjar and Rohtak had reported difficulties attending appointments and receiving routine care during the protest period.

However, emergency and casualty services remained operational throughout, ensuring that critical care was not entirely halted amid the protest.

Looking Ahead

With normal services set to resume, health department officials are hopeful that patients will be able to return to government hospitals without further inconvenience. Meanwhile, the police and medical association are expected to continue cooperating to ensure justice for the assaulted doctor and to prevent similar incidents in the future.