KATHMANDU: The government has decided to form taskforces in all seven provinces to address the problems faced by nurses struggling for fair remuneration.

Prime Minister and Minister for Health and Population Sushila Karki made this decision during the first meeting of a committee formed under the leadership of Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Prof. Dr. Shree Krishna Shrestha.

According to committee member Dr. Anup Bastola, who also heads the Ministry’s Grievance Hearing Unit, the taskforces in all seven provinces will be coordinated by the Nepal Nursing Association.

Each taskforce will include representatives from the provincial health ministry, the district administration office, and protesting nurses.

These taskforces will conduct field inspections and submit a report with recommendations.

Dr. Bastola stated that the provincial taskforces will work in coordination with the main committee led by Dr. Shrestha.

On Sunday morning, Prime Minister Karki formed the committee through a ministerial decision, mandating it to submit a report within seven days.

The report must include both short-term and long-term action plans with recommendations on improving the service conditions and benefits of nursing professionals.

The committee held its first meeting on the same day and decided to continue study and consultation even during the Tihar holidays through virtual means.

The taskforces in all seven provinces will begin work immediately.The committee’s final report, including an implementation plan, will be submitted to the Council of Ministers.