KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has instructed authorities to immediately address the concerns of protesting nurses.

She summoned Health Secretary Dr. Bikash Devkota on Thursday and directed him to resolve the issues without delay.

Holding responsibility for the Ministry of Health as well, PM Karki emphasized understanding the nurses’ grievances, taking immediate action, and keeping the government informed of progress.

She warned that failure to resolve the problem could increase the risk of skilled healthcare professionals leaving the country due to low pay.

Nurses at Manipal and Gandaki Medical Colleges in Kaski are protesting, demanding pay equivalent to the fifth pay scale as per the Ministry of Health’s directive.

Last December, the ministry had decided that all nurses working in health institutions should receive a salary of Rs 34,730.