Damak, August 21:

The OPD service in all the Mechi-based private and government hospitals was closed today at the call of the Mechi chapter of the Nepal Doctors’ Association (NDA). The private clinics were also closed to support the doctors’ strike.

The Mechi NDA, protesting the manhandling of Dr Surya Narayan Yadav and vandalism at the Damak-based Lifeline Hospital, yesterday decided to close the OPD service from today.

The NDA has demanded action against the guilty, guarantee of security of doctors and inclusion of doctors’ representatives in the committee formed under the coordination of

executive officer of Damak municipality Pashupati Khatiwada to probe the incident.

The OPD service at Mechi and other hospitals in Jhapa, Ilam, Panchthar and Teplejung were closed today, secretary of the Mechi chapter of NDA Dr Nitya Khanal said, adding, “Except for emergency, all other services in private hospitals and clinics, too, will be closed for three days.”