Health services except emergency services across the country closed today

KATHMANDU, Sep 17: Nepal Medical Association has declared a protest movement saying the government has not punished the culprits of the attack on doctors of the Sancho Hospital in Hetauda according to the law.

The association, issuing a press release, has informed that all health services except emergency services will be closed in all government health institutions, hospitals, medical colleges, private colleges and clinics across the country on Sunday, today.

Regarding the matter of the death of 41-year-old Rajesh Pradhan on the 10th of August in Chitwan, who was referred to the hospital in Chitwan after initial treatment at Sancho Hospital, the doctors of Sancho Hospital, Dr. Bikas Thapa and Dr. Prashant Bidari were beaten up on Wednesday. The association had given a 72-hour ultimatum to the government on the same day to bring the culprits of the assault before justice.

The association has also stressed that all the culprits involved in the incident should be immediately investigated and criminal charges should be brought and legal action should be taken according to the First Amendment Act regarding the safety of health workers and health institutions 2079.

In the issued press release, it has also been demanded that a fear-free environment to provide health services be created by arranging mandatory health facility security forces in health institutions across the country.

The association alleged that instead of arresting the culprits of the incident and taking legal action, the responsible persons of the local security agency, district administration office, and district police office are trying to suppress the incident, and demanded that the relevant agencies be investigated upon and action be taken according to the law. In addition, the association has also demanded a written commitment not to remain silent in such incidents in the future.

However, the Makwanpur District Police Office said that on Friday, the custody of the 4 people involved in the assault of doctors has been extended by 3 days and they have already started an investigation. The four arrested are Rama Pradhan, Ramita Pradhan, Rohit Pradhan and Anup Pradhan.