Kathmandu – Following a call by the Nepal Medical Association (NMA), all hospitals and health institutions across Nepal have suspended all services except for emergency care starting today (Monday).
The move comes in response to growing dissatisfaction among doctors after the Consumer Court began ordering compensation payments against hospitals and doctors over allegations of negligence during treatment.
Recently, the court ruled:
- Om Hospital must pay Rs. 5.07 million
- Himal Hospital and the involved doctors must pay Rs. 14.5 million
- Grande City Hospital and its medical staff must pay Rs. 5.7 million
These rulings triggered widespread outrage among medical professionals, who argue the judgments are unfair and demoralizing.
Due to the service boycott, many patients are facing severe difficulties accessing medical care.
The protest gained momentum after the Patan High Court ordered Dr. Sanjiv Tiwari, General Secretary of the NMA, to appear in court within seven days on charges of contempt of court. In response, doctors began a series of protests.
So far, nine major health institutions have expressed solidarity with the ongoing movement.
