Doctors go on strike at hospitals across the country in protest of court order

Kathmandu – In response to a recent decision by a consumer court concerning medical practice, the Nepal Medical Association expressed deep disagreement by halting all non-emergency services at hospitals and health institutions across the country on Monday.

At Bir Hospital, patients seeking treatment, except for follow-up appointments, have been unable to receive services.

Dr. Dilip Sharma, the hospital’s director, stated that only emergency and essential services are operational. He said, “The services have been halted following the association’s call. We are providing only partial services and continue to offer emergency care. We hope for a resolution soon.”

Previously, the association had called on doctors and health workers nationwide to wear black armbands starting from Asar 17. Now, beginning today, all services except emergency ones have been completely stopped.

The consumer court recently ordered penalties of 57.19 million NPR against a few doctors and Grande Hospital over alleged negligence in patient care. Similarly, decisions to impose compensation of 145 million NPR on Himal Hospital and its staff, and 50.70 million NPR on Om Hospital had been made.

Dr. Sanjiv Tiwari, the association’s secretary-general, emphasized that medicine is a highly sensitive, scientific, and ethical profession, arguing it should not be judged as other businesses are. “Such legal interventions by the consumer court, ignoring regulatory bodies like the Nepal Medical Council, create confusion in the medical field. Evaluations should solely be done by the medical council,” he stated.

The association urged the consumer court to review its decision and called for immediate attention from the Ministry of Health and other concerned bodies.

Stressing the need for ensuring a safe working environment for doctors, the association warned that failure to provide such conditions could severely impact healthcare services. It also cautioned that they would launch a strong protest if the government does not take proper measures. The news was reported with assistance from RASAS.