KATHMANDU, JULY 8

Protesting doctors have called off their agitation after the government and the Nepal Medical Association (NMA) reached a three-point agreement.

The decision followed a meeting between Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Paudel, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari, and representatives from the Ministry of Health and Population and the Nepal Medical Council, the umbrella body representing medical professionals.

Doctors across the country had been protesting a Consumer Court verdict that imposed hefty penalties on physicians found guilty of gross negligence, which allegedly resulted in serious complications and patient deaths.

Since last Monday, medical professionals had shut down all services-except for emergency care-in both public and private healthcare institutions nationwide, leaving patients in limbo.

According to the newly signed agreement, a task force will be formed to recommend amendments to existing legal and policy frameworks. The task force is required to submit its report within seven days.

It was also agreed that the recommendations will be submitted to the dialogue team and implemented accordingly. Furthermore, the concerned ministry will seek in-principle approval from the Council of Ministers within 11 days to amend relevant legal provisions, including the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 BS. The amendment process will be expedited through a fast-track mechanism.

Following the agreement, the NMA has decided to suspend all forms of protest effective immediately and resume regular medical services.

It should be noted that the protests were launched in response to the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 BS, under which the Consumer Court had imposed significant financial penalties on hospitals and doctors for alleged negligence in patient care.