Doctors' Association Protests Against Consumer Court: OPD Services Shut Down Nationwide
Nepal Health News, Kathmandu – Protesting a recent decision by the Consumer Court, the Nepal Medical Association has shut down Outpatient Department (OPD) services across the country on Monday as part of its phased protest. Following the association’s call, all non-emergency services in both private and public hospitals have been halted nationwide.
The Nepal Medical Association launched the protest on Asar 22, stating that the Consumer Court’s verdict is an attack on the professional dignity and independence of doctors. According to the protest program released by the association, on Sunday, Asar 22, doctors across the country staged a one-hour sit-in at their respective workplaces. Today, Monday, Asar 23, all services except emergency care have been suspended. Tomorrow, Tuesday, Asar 24, the doctors plan to submit their medical certificates to the Nepal Medical Council.
General Secretary of the association, Dr. Sanjeev Tiwari, said that the Consumer Court has recently begun punishing doctors without proper medical evaluation, which he described as an unjust interference in the medical field.
Seven other health-related organizations have also expressed their solidarity with the protest. These include the Association of Private Medical and Dental Colleges, AEON, KEMSON, Nepal Nursing Association, Nepal Physiotherapy Association, Nepal Veterinary Association, NAVHMI, and Nepal Public Health Organization.
Patients visiting hospitals for regular treatment have faced difficulties due to the shutdown of OPD services. A relative of a patient who went to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital said that they were unaware of the absence of doctors and had come for treatment but had to return.
The Consumer Court recently found Om Hospital, Himal Hospital, and Grande City Hospital guilty in cases of medical negligence and ordered compensation. In response, the association accused the ruling of creating distrust in the medical profession and issued a warning of protests.
The Ministry of Health and Population has called the doctors for talks, expressing concern that the protest could severely impact public health. According to a ministry source, while the constitution gives rights to consumers, the morale of doctors should not be broken, and efforts will be made to maintain balance through dialogue.
The association has warned that if discussions with the government fail, the nature of the protest will become more intense. Meanwhile, patients and the general public continue to suffer due to the lack of access to medical treatment.
