Kathmandu, July 29
The Government of Nepal and the Nepal Medical Association (NMA) have reached an agreement, leading to the withdrawal of the nationwide protest launched by doctors.
The two sides signed a five-point agreement to resolve the dispute that arose following recent incidents in which healthcare workers were assaulted and mistreated. The agreement was signed on Wednesday after discussions at the Ministry of Health and Food Safety, attended by representatives from the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, and officials of the Nepal Medical Association.
Under the agreement, the government has committed to effectively enforcing the Health Workers and Health Institutions Security Act, 2009 (2066 BS). It also agreed to promptly prepare the necessary implementation guidelines, strengthen legal action against those involved in vandalism at health facilities and attacks on healthcare workers, and improve coordination among the relevant ministries.
The agreement further states that the government will develop an action plan to ensure the security of health institutions. A joint task force will be formed in collaboration with the Nepal Medical Association to oversee implementation, and progress will be reviewed on a regular basis.
Following the agreement, the Nepal Medical Association announced that it has immediately suspended all protest programs and will resume regular healthcare services across the country.
