Radiographers’ protest enters seventh day demanding inclusion in ONM, warning of service disruption

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu – The protest that began against the exclusion of radiographers and radiography technologists from the proposed Organization and Management (O&M) directive has entered its seventh day as of Wednesday.

Damodar Rokaya, President of the Government Radiography Association, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Health and Population’s inaction and silence, warning of a phased disruption of services. He stated, “Just yesterday, hundreds of radiographers and technologists gathered at Maitighar Mandala to raise their voices.”

According to President Rokaya, a special meeting has been called on Thursday morning to determine the next course of action in the movement. He indicated that the meeting could decide to impose a temporary halt to all non-essential services.

“Radiography services are the backbone of the healthcare system,” Rokaya said, “but the ministry is ignoring our role, career progression, and future, which is unacceptable to us.”

The protesting group has demanded proper inclusion of radiographers and technologists in the proposed O&M, a revision of staffing based on workload, and the establishment of an independent and capable radiography department in hospitals based on qualifications.

Rokaya emphasized that the door for dialogue and consensus remains open but added, “The ministry’s continued silence is becoming intolerable. If a solution is not reached in time, the full responsibility for service disruption will lie with the ministry.”

Various professional associations, civil society members, and stakeholders from the health sector have expressed solidarity with the ongoing protest.