Kathmandu, August 8:

The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) has demanded the Constituent Assembly to pass a public motion to declare the health sector as a ‘Peace Zone’.

The NMA yesterday presented a memorandum to the CA, seeking protection of medical institutions from vandals. It has asked political parties, trade unions, students, civil society and social organisations to support its cause.

According to the NMA, in the last 18 months, around two dozen medical institutions, including Everest Nursing Home, Lumbini Zonal Hospital and Birat Nursing Home, have been vandalised.

More and more medical professional have been receiving threats, it said. “Few days ago, daughter of neurosurgeon Dr Upendra Devkota was abducted. In such a situation, how can medical professionals work without fear?” questioned Dr Kedar Narshing KC, general secretary

of the NMA.

Meanwhile, the NMA has asked the government to come up with a stringent policy to put an end to the practice of burning tyres.

Tyre burning emits carbonmonoxide, which could cause high blood pressure, asthma and cancer. “Health complications are on the rise due to the practice of burning tyres,” stated the NMA. The NMA asked the government to declare tyre-burning a social crime.