Health Worker Trade Unions' Demand: Enact the Health Service Act Immediately

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu – Various trade unions involved in the health sector have demanded the immediate enactment of a separate law specifically for the health service sector.

Submitting a memorandum to Ramhari Khatiwada, Chairperson of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, the unions stated that a separate act is essential to address the unique nature of health services and to ensure effective implementation of federalism.

Dr. Jhalak Gautam, President of the National Health Workers’ Federation, said that the Government of Nepal has not even formally initiated the process of drafting a Health Service Act. He emphasized the need to immediately introduce a new law with the participation of concerned stakeholders.

The memorandum also expressed strong objection to the demand made by civil service trade unions to include health services under the civil service structure. Health worker trade unions accused civil service unions of having a "hegemonic" and "authoritarian" attitude, and expressed dissatisfaction, saying such moves question their right to negotiate independently.

Leelaram Thapa, President of the National Progressive Health Workers’ Organization, stated that a separate act is necessary to ensure that health services are of high quality, accessible, and people-centered, ultimately establishing them as a fundamental right of the people.

The memorandum, demanding the enactment of a Health Service Act, was jointly signed by organizations such as the Nepal Health Workers’ Federation, Unified Health Workers’ Organization, Nepal Health Workers’ Union, Madhesi Health Workers’ Forum, among others. It was submitted to Shyam Ghimire, Chief Whip of the Nepali Congress, Mahesh Bartola of CPN-UML, and Hitraj Pandey of CPN-Maoist Center.

The unions have also warned of launching protests if the act is not introduced immediately.