KATHMANDU: The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) has announced a nationwide shutdown of all non-emergency hospital services across the country on Tuesday (July 28) in protest against a violent attack on physicians at Narayani Hospital and subsequent mistreatment by district security officials in Parsa.

According to a press statement issued on Monday by NMA President Dr. Badri Rijal and General Secretary Dr. Bishwa Raj Dawadi, the decision follows a series of distressing events that began on Saturday (July 25), when enraged relatives of a deceased patient vandalized Narayani Hospital in Birgunj and brutally assaulted medical staff. The assault left Dr. Pramod Ram and other healthcare workers severely injured, with Dr. Ram suffering serious head trauma.

Tensions further escalated during a dialogue held at the District Administration Office in Parsa to address the violence.

The NMA alleged that the Chief District Officer (CDO) and the district police chief mobilized police forces to verbally abuse, mistreat, and intimidate NMA central committee representatives and local branch leaders during official negotiations.

Strongly condemning the state’s heavy-handed response, the umbrella body of Nepali physicians has demanded immediate legal action against the attackers under the Security of Health Workers and Health Institutions Act, 2010 (First Amendment, 2022).

The association has also called for strict disciplinary measures against Parsa’s Chief District Officer and Police Chief for their conduct during the talks.

While shutting down outpatient and elective services nationwide, the NMA stated that emergency services will remain operational.

The association expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to patients, placing full responsibility for the disruption on the Nepal government, and noted that further protest programs will be determined following a multi-stakeholder meeting.