Agitating doctors take out rally

Kathmandu, October 6

Agitating doctors staged a rally here today to protest the four-point agreement reached between the government and Nepal Medical Association on September 29.

Several health-related organisations dissatisfied with the deal have been staging protest for the past few days. The doctors have been carrying out their duties wearing black armband and helmet.

The disgruntled doctors have put forth a three-point demand, seeking removal of the provision allowing medical practitioners to work till they reach the age of 65 years, inclusion of doctors, not exceeding the age of 40 years, on each committee to be formed to resolve issues relating to the health sector, immediate passage of laws as per the agreements reached with the Nepal Medical Association, and provision of jail without bail for those found guilty of attack on doctors and health centres.

The agitating doctors have also asked the government to pass the Medical Education Bill as per the recommendations made by Mathema-led panel. Similarly, they have demanded proper salary for doctors working with government hospitals.

Doctors Society of Nepal, Government Doctors’ Association Nepal, National Doctors Association, Nepal Dental Association, Resident Association of NAMS, Junior Residents Welfare Society, Doctors for Change, Save Medical Fraternity, Solidarity for Dr KC alliance, Nepal Medical Student Society, Free Student Union Maharajgunj Medical Campus among others have shown solidarity the peaceful protest.

“The protest will continue until our demands are met,” informed Dr Kalu Singh Khatri, maxillofacial surgeon at Bir Hospital and president at Doctors Society of Nepal.