Kathmandu, January 4:

More than 100 doctors who completed their MBBS degree under the government scholarship today demanded that the government be flexible with the contract which stipulates them to serve in remote areas of the country for two years.

According to the Doctors Mobilisation Directives 2005, those who have completed Bachelors of Medicine, Bachelors of Surgery under government scholarship need to serve in remote areas of the country for two years.

“We are ready to serve in primary health centres and district hospitals of the remote areas; meanwhile, the government should also let us pursue post-graduation degree,” said Dr Amit Singh who has been working in Bandipur Hospital, Tanahu, for three months.

“As soon as we complete our post-graduation, we will fulfil our commitment. With the specialised degree, we would be able to serve more effectively,” said another doctor Ghanashyam Thapa, working in Sindhuli District Hospital.

Giriraj Mani Pokharel, minister for Health and Population, said: “Doctors’ willingness to go for further studies during the two year term can be considered on the condition that they fulfil their term after completing their studies. We are discussing the subject.” “But any compromise regarding reviewing the two-year term to serve in remote areas will not be considered,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Ayurveda Doctors’ Association of Nepal today put forward their charter of

four demands to Sashi Shrestha, state minister for Health and Population. The ayurveda doctors’ urged the government to utilise the available human resources in this sector.