Nepal Medical Association suspends all non-emergency health services today

In response to the recent attack on two doctors at Sancho Hospital in Hetauda, Makwanpur, the Nepal Medical Association (NMA) has taken a significant step by suspending all healthcare services across the country today, except for non-emergency care.

The unfortunate incident occurred on September 13 within the hospital premises when a group of individuals, accompanied by their relatives, assaulted Dr. Bikas Thapa and Dr. Prashant Bidari. The assailants alleged negligence in the treatment of Rajesh Pradhan, a 41-year-old resident of Hetauda-12, who tragically lost his life due to a dengue infection.

In response to this act of violence, the NMA issued a 72-hour ultimatum on the same day, urging authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice. Unfortunately, with no concrete action taken against those responsible, the NMA has chosen to stage this shutdown as a form of protest.

Additionally, the NMA has emphasized the need for mandatory security forces to be deployed in healthcare institutions nationwide, citing growing concerns for the safety of healthcare workers. It’s worth noting that healthcare personnel had previously reported threats to their lives, but effective police intervention had been lacking.

Under mounting pressure from various quarters, the police have now taken action, apprehending Rama, the deceased’s wife, along with his son Rohit, daughter Ramita, and nephew Anup Pradhan. Their arrests were made possible through incriminating evidence captured on CCTV footage, clearly depicting the attackers assaulting the doctors.