Kathmandu, December 16

Health professionals have threatened to launch protest if the government fails to implement the report prepared by a task force formed to suggest amendments to Nepal Health Professional Council Act.

Ten different organisations of health professionals staged demonstration at MoHP today, demanding amendment to NHPC Act. They also demanded licensing examination for health professionals, and regular monitoring of medical colleges and health facilities.

Michael Devkota, a health professional, said Nepal Health Professional Council was providing licence to health practitioners without any examination. Nepal Health Professional Council has been providing licence to dentists, health assistants, ophthalmologists and physiotherapists, among others. There are more than 90,000 licensed health professionals in the country.

According to Bimal Paudel, president of Nepal Ophthalmic Society, the act, which came into force 22 years ago, needed amendment as per the need

of time.

“The act must be amended to suit the needs of the present context,” added Paudel. The act does not incorporate radiologists, paramedics and pharmacists, among others.

Meanwhile, health professionals held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population UpendraYadav today. DPM Yadav promised to implement the task force’s recommendations.

“We have decided to give the government a week’s time to fulfil our demands. If the government fails to keep its promise, we will launch protest,” said Devkota.