KATHMANDU: The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) has announced that all medical services—except emergency and intensive care—will be suspended starting today (April 25) in all government and private hospitals, medical colleges, and clinics across the country.
In a press release, the NMA urged all doctors to halt their participation in routine services as part of an escalating protest.
Doctors and health workers in the Kathmandu Valley will stage a sit-in at Maitighar Mandala at 11 AM, followed by demonstrations at the Ministry of Health and Population and District Administration Offices in other districts.
NMA President Dr. Anil Bikram Karki stated that the agitation will continue until their demands are addressed, highlighting two main issues: the non-payment of subsistence allowances to resident doctors and the threats faced by medical professionals at various institutions.
Postgraduate (PG) resident doctors have been protesting for several days, accusing private medical colleges of exploiting their labor by denying the subsistence allowance mandated by the Medical Education Commission.
The Commission has set the allowance at NPR 48,000 per month (Level 8), but many private institutions have refused to comply.
Doctors staged a protest at Maitighar on Thursday, expressing frustration over the government’s inaction and the stance taken by private colleges.
The NMA has warned of further intensifying the protest if the demands are not met.
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