Doctors Strike Triggered by Assault Incident, Patients Left Stranded
On Tuesday around noon, Showhadevi Chaudhary from Siraha was found in a state of despair and confusion at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu.
She has been suffering from bone-joint and kidney problems and had arrived at the hospital early at 7 am.
“I was not aware the hospital was closed. I was supposed to have a kidney test today. I have been waiting for hours. I had to travel from far away, pay for transport every time, and now I don’t know when it will reopen,” Chaudhary said.
Gyanbahadur Tamang from Sindhupalchok also suffers from kidney issues. He was seen walking alone inside the hospital premises carrying a bag of medical reports.
“I have been running around for 8-10 days. I had no idea it was closed today. I was told I would get a video X-ray. That’s why I have been fasting. It’s very painful,” said the 60-year-old Tamang.
Darobati Chaudhary from Saptari was also waiting for her blood test report, hoping to see a doctor.
“Had I known earlier, I would not have come. Now I have to turn back. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow or the day after,” she said. “I also have heart problems. The strike has made things very difficult.”
Hundreds of people were wandering the Teaching Hospital premises in this manner. Some were seen fainting and collapsing on benches.
Reasons Behind the Doctors’ Strike
A few days ago, a doctor was assaulted at Narayani Hospital in Birgunj. The Nepal Medical Association expressed outrage at the lack of strict administrative action against the culprits, leading doctors nationwide to halt all non-emergency services on Tuesday.
The umbrella organization of doctors, Nepal Medical Association, announced the strike in a statement on Monday.
“This is not our desire but a compulsion. After our concerns were ignored, we were forced to suspend all services except emergencies,” said Sanjiv Tiwari, Senior Vice President and doctor at Teaching Hospital.
Tiwari added that around 2,000 to 3,000 patients visit Teaching Hospital daily, and despite knowing the hardship their absence can cause, they were compelled to stop services.
BBC
I have been rushing for 8-10 days. I had no idea it was closed today. I was told I would get a video X-ray. That’s why I’ve been fasting. It’s very painful.
The Nepal Medical Association informed that the assaulted doctor from Narayani Hospital was brought to Kathmandu for further treatment.
Following the incident, doctors at the hospital began striking and suspending services from Saturday, with many submitting collective resignations.
Hospital spokesperson reported that out of more than 70 doctors working there, 65 have resigned collectively.
Concerns Over Increasing Violence Against Doctors
“A group of 40-50 people physically assaulted a doctor by grabbing his head and neck because he could not save a heart attack patient in the emergency ward. When a complaint was filed with the administration, the doctor was verbally abused and mistreated,” said Dr. Badri Rizal, President of the Nepal Medical Association. He noted that violence against doctors is increasing nationwide.
“The doctor was even hit with a helmet. How can doctors maintain their morale to work under such conditions?”
Dr. Rizal revealed that physical assaults and mistreatment of doctors occur two to three times per month even under normal circumstances.
“Doctors must be provided security. If any issues arise during work, there are legal channels. Direct physical assault is unacceptable. This trend must be stopped,” he emphasized.
“Must doctors always be the ones bearing the brunt? Create a safe working environment especially for those serving in remote areas.”
Government’s Position
Image source, RSS
As regular services stopped nationwide, the Ministry of Health and Food Security issued an appeal.
“The ministry is seriously concerned about the assaults on health workers. It is coordinating with other government bodies to identify culprits and initiate legal action,” said Dr. Sameer Kumar Adhikari, Ministry spokesperson.
“Health services are sensitive; the government has appealed to all hospitals to provide uninterrupted services, respecting the dignity and social responsibility of the medical profession,” he added.
Adhikari also mentioned that local administration at Narayani Hospital is conducting an investigation and implementing disciplinary processes in coordination with all stakeholders.
Earlier, the government enacted the “Health Workers and Health Institutions Protection Act, 2066” to stop violence against medical personnel and amended it for the first time in 2079 (2022/23).
“The law’s enforcement is weak. Punishment can be handed down to the culprits in the Birgunj incident,” Dr. Rizal asserted.
According to the law, Section 3 prohibits assault, damage, and lockout. Section 7 specifies that physical harm to health workers or staff can lead to imprisonment up to three years or a fine up to three hundred thousand rupees, or both.
On Tuesday, the National Human Rights Commission also issued a statement directing the government to investigate the incident and take action against those responsible.
“Since the suspension of essential health services can endanger lives, the commission urges all parties to seek alternative measures and resolve the issues through dialogue,” it said.
Experts warn that without collaborative efforts to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services and a safe working environment for doctors, ordinary patients like Tamang and Chaudhary will continue to suffer neglect and hardship.
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