Hospital services except emergency care closed nationwide

Kathmandu, July 7: Hospitals and health institutions across Nepal have shut down all services except emergency care today, following a call by the Nepal Medical Association (NMA). The protest is in response to recent decisions by the Consumer Court regarding cases of medical practices.

At Bir Hospital, the country’s oldest hospital, only follow-up and patients with emergency intervention are being treated. According to hospital Director Dr Dilip Sharma, they are currently providing only emergency services. He expressed hope that the issue would be resolved soon.

Earlier, health workers across the country had shown their dissatisfaction over the court verdicts by wearing black bands on their wrists while on duty.

The protest follows the Court’s rulings that ordered Grande Hospital and its doctors to pay Rs 5.7 million in compensation for alleged medical negligence. Similarly, Himal Hospital and its doctors were ordered to pay Rs 14.5 million, and Om Hospital was fined Rs 5.7 million.

NMA General Secretary Dr. Sanjeev Tiwari said that the medical profession is a highly sensitive and science-based service, which should not be evaluated in the same way as other professions. He said such matters should be handled by the Nepal Medical Council.

The NMA has urged the Court, the Ministry of Health and Population, and other relevant authorities to review the recent verdicts. It also calls for creating a safe and supportive environment for health professionals to practice with confidence. The NMA also warned of further protests if its demand is not addressed.  (RSS)