KATHMANDU: As many as 17 foreign doctors, who were working at various hospitals in Kathmandu without Nepal Medical Council's permission have been arrested by the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police, on Monday.

Talking to THT Online over the phone, DIG of the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police Puskar Karki said "The number could rise as the investigation is underway."

Acting on a tip-off, the raids were carried out at five hospitals, including Apollo Hospital in Thamel, in coordination with the Nepal Medical Council and the Forum for Protection of Consumer Rights this afternoon, Karki shared.

According to CIB's Spokesperson, Jeevan Kumar Shrestha, majority of the arrested doctors were Chinese and Nepali nationals.

Shrestha further said, respective hospital authorities were also taken in control for further investigation.

Meanwhile, he did not disclose names of other hospitals, citing it would be too early as an investigation is underway.

As per the Nepal Medical Council regulations, it only grants permission to foreign specialist doctors when such specialist doctors are unavailable in Nepal.

After getting NMC's approval, these doctors are also entitled to serve in remote areas of Nepal.