KATHMANDU: Non-emergency medical services across Nepal came to a standstill on Tuesday following a nationwide protest called by the Nepal Medical Association (NMA) over recent physical assaults on healthcare workers.

The strike comes in response to a physical attack on doctors and medical staff at Narayani Hospital in Birgunj, as well as reported mistreatment at the District Administration Office in Parsa.

According to a press release issued by the NMA on Monday, all services except emergency care have been suspended across government, non-governmental, and private healthcare institutions. The association is demanding guaranteed security for medical professionals, strict legal action against the perpetrators, and a safe working environment.

The sudden closure has severely impacted patients nationwide. At major facilities in Kathmandu—including Civil Hospital in New Baneshwor, Bir Hospital, and Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH)—outpatient departments (OPD) and routine services remained closed.

While emergency rooms remained operational, they saw a heavy surge in patients trying to access urgent care, forcing many others to return home without receiving treatment.

The NMA has warned that it will announce further protest programs if its demands are not met immediately.

Meanwhile, government authorities stated that an investigation into the Birgunj incident is underway and legal proceedings against those involved have been initiated.

Photos: Nepal Photo Library