Kathmandu, October 3

Several health-related organisations dissatisfied with the September 29 agreement between the government and Nepal Medical Association have decided to continue their protest against the deal.

Disgruntled health professionals wore black arm bands to protest against the agreement today.

The organisations protesting the agreement include Doctors Society of Nepal, Public Health Association, National Dental Association, Nepal Dental Association, Junior Resident Welfare Society, Doctors for Change, Solidarity for Dr KC Alliance, Nepal Medical Students Society, Free Student Union, Resident Doctors Association and Maharajgunj Medical Campus.

According to Secretary of Nepal Medical Association Dr Dhundi Raj Paudel, their protest would be peaceful.

Dr Kalu Singh Khatri, outgoing president of Doctors Society of Nepal, said the agreement had been reached without adequate discussion with stakeholders.  “We demand timely salary and  opportunities for young doctors,” he added.

Khatri said another provision in the agreement that envisages allowing medical practitioners to work till they reach 65 years of age demotivated young doctors. Earlier, the age limit was 60 years.

Nepal Medical Association has also agreed to form a five-member task force comprising specialists within seven days to assess work performance of doctors and health practitioners and revise their salary and other benefits.