End attacks against health workers, keep health services running

An assault on Dr. Pramod Ram at Narayani Hospital in Birgunj by relatives of a deceased patient triggered a nationwide protest by the Nepal Medical Association, leading to the suspension of non-emergency health services. The incident, which also involved vandalism and threats against hospital staff, prompted a mass resignation at Narayani Hospital and a subsequent nationwide strike by doctors.

This disruption, though intended as a protest against violence towards medical professionals, resulted in hundreds of thousands of patients being denied care. The article emphasizes that ceasing essential health services is illegal under Nepal's Health Service Act and Public Health Service Act, and penalizes innocent patients, particularly those from low-income backgrounds who face significant financial hardship to access medical treatment.

The piece acknowledges the severity of the approximately 90 reported incidents of physical attacks and assaults against health workers in the past 10 months, deeming them criminal acts requiring immediate legal intervention. However, it argues that manhandling doctors and health workers is not the solution and that existing bodies should handle investigations and appropriate actions.

Ultimately, the article calls for the government to prioritize security arrangements within the health sector, ensuring that medical facilities are safe spaces for both healthcare providers and patients. It suggests that systemic issues, such as the compulsion for junior staff to handle complex cases and inadequate resources, also need to be addressed to prevent adverse treatment outcomes and maintain the integrity of healthcare delivery.