KATHMANDU: The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) has issued an official press statement drawing the government’s immediate attention toward critical issues regarding the national healthcare budget allocation and the service benefits of practicing doctors in the country.

In the statement dated May 28, signed by General Secretary Dr. Sanjeeb Tiwari, the association stressed the necessity of creating a favorable domestic environment for doctors to prevent brain drain and safeguard citizens’ fundamental right to health.

The association strongly demanded that the health budget ceiling not be reduced, insisting instead that at least 10% of the total national budget be allocated to the health sector to align with World Health Organization (WHO) standards.

Pointing out that Nepali medical professionals endure some of the lowest service benefits in the SAARC region despite spending nearly double the academic time compared to other graduate streams, the NMA requested that newly appointed doctors be guaranteed entry-level positions in the first-class civil service rank through the upcoming budget.

Furthermore, the NMA called for an immediate increase in mandatory government quotas for doctors and health workers via the Public Service Commission, alongside dedicated budget allocations to establish a Medical Service Commission and a Medical Service Act for long-term health sector resolution.

Addressing financial and taxation concerns, the NMA recommended that for full-time salaried doctors working a minimum of 42 hours a week, any clinical or surgical consultations done during extra time be categorized as essential occasional services with a flat 15% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) as the final tax.

For doctors providing services across multiple medical centers on a consultative basis, the association proposed a simplified final tax system using personal PAN, recommending a flat 15% tax for annual incomes up to Rs 2.5 million, 17% for incomes between Rs 2.5 million and Rs 5 million, and 20% for any income exceeding Rs 5 million.

Finally, pointing out that weak benefits directly disrupt effective healthcare delivery, the NMA urged the state to ensure international-standard risk allowances, incentive bonuses, Professional Liability Insurance, and Critical Illness Insurance.

Given their grueling 24-hour readiness cycles, the association concluded that doctors must be provided with amenities like official drivers, transportation facilities, and standard housing, alongside salaries proportionate to the high fees designated by the state for medical education.