Docs to change tactics

Kathmandu, July 12:

Doctors, who called off their strike yesterday, said today they will opt for other forms of protests till the government meets their demands.

The doctors had called off the strike yesterday after striking a seven-point deal with the government.

Dr Kedar Narsingh KC, general secretary of the Nepal Medical Association, said today they called off the strike considering the inconvenience caused to the patients, but will give continuity to other forms of protests. the doctors could opt for sit-ins and hunger strike, he said.

After the three-day closure of hospitals, the government registered a Bill yesterday regarding the protection of health professionals.

It promised to institute a security fund of Rs 5 million for doctors till an act was promulgated to guarantee their security. The government has pledged to provide security to doctors, deploy security personnel at all district hospitals and all government, public and private hospitals with over 50 beds.