NMA closes all services except emergency in protest

Kathmandu: Doctors and health workers have continued their protest by closing all services except emergency care across the country today.

Nepal Medical Association had decided to shut all services except emergency from Monday onwards.

The private hospitals and clinics along with public hospitals have expressed their solidarity for NMA’s protest.

The umbrella organization of doctors launched the protest pressing for amendment to the provision of Consumer Protection Act, 2075, reads a press release issued by NMA.

It decided to continue the protest after the government did not take concrete efforts to address their demands so far.

The doctors and health workers have expressed reservation on the Consumer Court’s decision of action on the cases of medical practices.

The Consumer Court has recently issued a verdict against some hospitals directing them to provide compensation, citing negligence of the hospitals and doctors in the treatment of patients.

NMA General Secretary Dr Sanjeev Tiwari said the medical profession is a highly sensitive and science-based service, which should not be evaluated like other professions.

He demanded such matters be handled by the Nepal Medical Council.

Similarly, the NMA urged doctors and health workers within Kathmandu Valley to participate in the sit-in staged at Maitighar Mandala and doctors and health workers out of the Valley at the places as determined and informed.