The union's demand to grant permanency to hospital employees working on a contract basis

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu – After studying the draft of the Integrated Hospital Operation and Management Bill prepared by the Ministry of Health and Population, the Employees’ Union has formally submitted its suggestions to the Ministry.

In the suggestion letter sent by the Union’s Secretary, Manish Kumar Jha, the union has requested the removal of the provision in Clause 15(1) of the bill, which states that contract employees of hospitals will not be granted permanent appointments. The union has stated that all contract employees already working under hospital development committees should be converted into permanent staff after due process, while new recruitments should be conducted as per the law.

Similarly, under Clause 15(3), the provision allowing contract employees to be transferred from one hospital to another as needed has also been objected to by the union, which has demanded that it be revoked.

According to the union, employees should continue working at the hospitals they are currently employed in, and transfers should only be made with the consent of employees who voluntarily seek reassignment.

The union has also suggested that employees appointed to the hospital development committees before the year 2076 (Bikram Sambat calendar) should be granted promotion by at least one level. It has further demanded that the right to form trade unions, as per the Labour Act 2074 and Social Security Act 2074, be ensured, and that the union be given representation in the process of resolving employee-related issues.

The suggestion letter states that, even after transitioning to a federal democratic republic, the lack of permanent appointments for doctors and staff could lower morale, reduce work efficiency, and negatively impact democratic values.

The union has demanded that, in accordance with Clause 24(gha) of the Civil Service Act, contract employees under hospital development committees be given a one-time opportunity to obtain permanent status.

As the proposed bill by the Ministry of Health would bring significant changes to the service terms, placements, and job security of employees, the union believes further discussion and necessary amendments are required.