Doctors go on strike after delay in allowances and threats; discussion held with the minister

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu – A discussion is currently underway with Minister of Health and Population, Pradeep Paudel, regarding the protest launched by resident doctors demanding allowances equivalent to those received by government-employed doctors.

Officials from the Nepal Medical Association and a delegation of protesting resident doctors reached the ministry on Thursday to hold talks with Minister Paudel.

Although the government had recently decided through a cabinet meeting to provide subsistence allowances to resident doctors studying in medical colleges, similar to those given to government doctors, the implementation has been delayed, prompting the doctors to take to protest. Additionally, doctors have complained that some private medical colleges have issued threats and barred them from entering the college premises.

According to Dr. Anil Karki of Kathmandu Medical College, the situation has become more tense as some college operators have pressured doctors to apologize.

The delegation of the association and doctors presented their demands to the minister, urging the government to ensure a respectful environment where all doctors can return to work with dignity.