KATHMANDU, JULY 28
Most hospitals across the country suspended non-emergency services on Tuesday after the Nepal Medical Association (NMA) launched a nationwide protest over the assault on doctors and health workers at Narayani Hospital in Birgunj.
Government, private and non-government hospitals halted regular outpatient and other non-emergency services, while emergency services remained operational. The protest has affected patients seeking routine consultations, follow-up treatment and other medical care.
At Civil Service Hospital, Bir Hospital and Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu, emergency services continued, but the suspension of regular services led to increased pressure on emergency departments. Several patients were reportedly forced to return without receiving treatment, while others sought care through emergency units.
The NMA said the protest was launched to demand accountability for those involved in the attack, stronger security for doctors and health workers, and a safe and dignified working environment in health institutions.
The association warned that it could announce further protest programmes if its demands were not addressed.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Food Safety appealed to doctors, health workers and hospitals not to disrupt healthcare services, describing health services as sensitive, life-saving and essential.
In a statement, the ministry said citizens' right to access healthcare must be protected while ensuring that health workers can provide services in a safe and respectful environment.
The ministry said it had taken serious note of incidents involving assaults and mistreatment of doctors and health workers and assured that those responsible would be brought under legal action.
The protest follows an incident on Saturday in which doctors and health workers at Narayani Hospital in Birgunj were allegedly attacked. The NMA subsequently announced the nationwide suspension of all services except emergency care.
