Key Takeaways:
- Makawanpur hospitals, clinics and polyclinics halted all non-emergency services
- NMA Makawanpur submitted memorandum via Assistant CDO Mohan Raj Joshi
- Doctors condemned attack on Narayani Hospital staff, demanded legal action
- Protest follows Birgunj assault; emergency services remain operational nationwide
Health institutions across Makawanpur suspended all non-emergency services on Wednesday in support of the nationwide protest by doctors against the assault on medical personnel at Narayani Hospital in Birgunj.
The Makawanpur chapter of the Nepal Medical Association (NMA) submitted a memorandum to the District Administration Office through Assistant Chief District Officer Mohan Raj Joshi, as CDO Basanta Adhikari was absent.
Led by NMA Makawanpur President Dr Hari Bahadur Khadka, doctors and health workers marched to the DAO to condemn the violent attack and vandalism at Narayani Hospital. The association informed the local administration about its ongoing protest programmes demanding legal action against those responsible and stronger security for healthcare workers.
Under the nationwide protest, government, private and non-government hospitals, polyclinics and clinics across Makawanpur halted all services except emergency care.
In the memorandum signed by Dr Khadka, the association said it was unacceptable that, four days after the Birgunj incident, authorities had failed to initiate legal proceedings against those responsible. Instead, it alleged that victimised doctors had been subjected to injustice and harassment.
The association further accused the Chief District Officer and Parsa Police Chief of mistreating doctors during talks to resolve the dispute, calling the incident "deeply shameful."
NMA Makawanpur Secretary Dr Raju Sedhai said the government's failure to ensure justice and security had left doctors with no option but to launch the protest.
The agitation follows last week's attack on doctors and vandalism at Narayani Hospital after the death of a patient during treatment. Medical professionals nationwide have since demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved, adequate security at health facilities, and a safe working environment. Emergency services remain operational.
