KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health and Food Safety has urged hospitals to continue providing inpatient and outpatient services despite nationwide protests by doctors following the assault and mistreatment of physicians at Narayani Hospital in Birgunj.

Ministry spokesperson Dr Samir Adhikari said the ministry has not instructed hospitals to suspend services and stressed that healthcare must continue without disrupting patient treatment. He said some facilities remain operational and reiterated that protests should not affect essential medical care.

Adhikari said the Health Minister, Health Secretary, senior ministry officials, doctors’ representatives, the local administration, and other concerned agencies are engaged in continuous dialogue to address the doctors’ demands and resolve the dispute. The ministry also appealed for protest programs to be conducted without compromising patient care.