KATHMANDU: Non-emergency medical services across Nepal faced widespread disruption on Tuesday after the Nepal Medical Association (NMA) enforced a nationwide shutdown of outpatient departments (OPDs), a protest movement set to escalate on Wednesday, July 29.

The umbrella body’s decision follows a violent assault on healthcare staff at Narayani Hospital in Birgunj and reported high-handedness by local security officials during subsequent talks.

The crisis intensified significantly on Tuesday after 68 doctors at Narayani Hospital tendered collective resignations to Acting Medical Superintendent Dr. Chitaranjan Shah.

The physicians are demanding the immediate arrest of the perpetrators under the Healthcare Workers Protection Act, as well as the dismissal of Parsa’s Chief District Officer and District Police Chief, whom they accuse of intimidation during discussions at the District Administration Office.

The original incident, triggered by the death of a patient on Saturday, left medical officer Dr. Pramod Ram severely injured with head trauma; he has since been transferred to Kathmandu’s National Trauma Centre for treatment.

Under Wednesday’s expanded protest programs, health professionals across the country will continue suspending all non-emergency services.

Doctors in the Kathmandu Valley are slated to assemble at Maitighar Mandala for a mass rally at 10:00 AM, while physicians in other districts will stage sit-ins and deliver protest memorandums to their respective District Administration Offices.

Expressing regret to the public for the growing operational disruptions, the NMA asserted that the Nepal government holds full responsibility for failing to secure healthcare institutions.