KATHMANDU: Representatives of Nepal’s private health sector have raised concerns over disrespectful behavior directed at them during formal negotiations on nurses’ salary scales.
In a joint statement, the Association of Medical and Dental Colleges Nepal and the Association of Private Hospitals in Nepal (AFIN) said that during taskforce-level talks organised by the Ministry of Health, some participants displayed placards apologising for the ongoing protest, used derogatory language, and behaved inappropriately. The associations described these actions as unacceptable.
“We always believe in dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect to resolve issues. While we recognise and support the legitimate demands of nurses, such behaviour disrupted the environment for constructive negotiations,” the statement said.
The joint statement added that the incident forced private health sector representatives to leave the meeting room.
The associations blamed the government’s weak oversight and mismanagement for the occurrence, stating that the lack of timely policies, equitable treatment, and clear procedures had created the situation. “Therefore, the government must take full responsibility,” the statement read.
The associations emphasised their continued commitment to working collaboratively with the government and healthcare workers to find fair and sustainable solutions, noting that private hospitals continue to provide essential healthcare services nationwide.
However, the statement warned that if similar disrespectful conduct occurs in the future, they will be compelled to take necessary steps to protect their dignity and the reputation of their member institutions.
The joint statement was signed by Dr. Gyanendra Man Singh Karki, president of the Association of Medical and Dental Colleges, and Hariprasad Rizal, vice-president of AFIN.
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