KATHMANDU: Resident doctors protesting against the government’s failure to implement promised service benefits and fair wages clashed with police outside the Ministry of Health and Population on Thursday.
The doctors, led by the Nepal Medical Association (NMA), attempted to surround the Health Ministry, accusing the government of labor exploitation by not ensuring the minimum wage as prescribed.
They also criticized the government for failing to enforce a Cabinet decision that guaranteed service facilities for resident doctors.
The demonstrators began their protest march from Maitighar but were blocked by police before reaching the ministry. A brief scuffle broke out during the confrontation.
The doctors are demanding that the government implement the eighth-level salary structure recommended by the Nepal Medical Commission and ensure the protection of their educational and professional development.
NMA President Dr. Anil Bikram Karki said their protest aimed to highlight the government’s negligence in honoring its commitments.
“We were trying to draw attention to the Cabinet’s decision, which clearly states that resident doctors should receive benefits equivalent to the eighth-level government position,” he said.
The NMA has warned that if their demands are not addressed, they will halt all health services nationwide — excluding emergency and intensive care — starting April 25.
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