KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health and Population has taken steps by forming a committee aimed at facilitating discussions with doctors who have temporarily halted services in healthcare facilities nationwide, with the exception of emergency cases.
The Ministry of Health announced the formation of a negotiation committee, led by Additional Health Secretary Bikash Devkota.
Comprising joint secretaries from key government offices such as the Prime Minister and Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Law, and the Ministry of Health, the committee is geared towards addressing the concerns raised by the agitating medical professionals.
Tulsinath Gautam, the joint secretary of the Ministry of Health, confirmed the formation of a five-member negotiation team and extended an invitation to the protesting Nepal Medical Association for a dialogue.
On Sunday, doctors across the nation decided to suspend regular healthcare services in response to a call by the Nepal Medical Association, protesting against recent incidents of violence towards healthcare professionals.
In response to the recent assault on two doctors at Sancho Hospital in Hetauda, Makwanpur, the Nepal Medical Association (NMA) suspended all health services, excluding non-emergency care, in healthcare facilities across the country today.
On September 13, an incident unfolded within the hospital premises when a group of individuals, accompanied by their relatives, attacked Dr. Bikas Thapa and Dr. Prashant Bidari.
The assailants accused the doctors of negligence in the treatment of Rajesh Pradhan, a 41-year-old resident of Hetauda-12, who tragically succumbed to a dengue infection.
In response to this act of violence, the NMA issued a 72-hour ultimatum on the same day, urging authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
With no tangible action taken against the culprits, the NMA has resorted to this shutdown as a means of protest.
Furthermore, the NMA has put forth a demand for mandatory security forces to be stationed in healthcare institutions nationwide, citing concerns for the safety of healthcare workers.
Prior to this, healthcare personnel had formally reported threats against their lives to the police, who allegedly failed to intervene effectively.
Amid growing pressure from various sectors, the police have now taken action by apprehending Rama, the deceased’s wife, along with his son Rohit, daughter Ramita, and nephew Anup Pradhan.
Their arrests were facilitated by incriminating evidence captured on CCTV footage, which clearly depicted the attackers assaulting the doctors.
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