KATHMANDU, JULY 28
Regular outpatient services at various hospitals across the country have been hit hard by a doctors' protest. While routine care remains halted, some patients have been forced to return home without treatment, while others continue to receive care through the emergency unit.
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.
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.
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.
Photo: Nepal Photo Library