Rastriya Prajatantra Party Whip Khushbu Oli Draws Government's Attention to Exploitation of Intern Doctors

Kathmandu. Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chief Whip Khushbu Oli has drawn the government's attention to the exploitation of labor of intern doctors studying in medical educational institutions. Speaking at the meeting of the House of Representatives on Monday, she demanded that the problems of MBBS and BDS intern doctors be addressed immediately. Oli stated that intern doctors are compelled to work excessive hours for very low allowances in private medical colleges compared to government medical colleges. She said that due to policy weaknesses and the existing system, new doctors are continuously exploited, increasing the risk of skilled manpower migrating abroad. She warned that if this situation is not addressed in time, Nepal will face a severe shortage of doctors and health workers in the near future. MP Oli said, 'This issue is not only related to the professional interests of doctors, but it is a matter of serious national concern linked to the overall health system and public health of the country.' She demanded that the provisions for working hours and minimum wages stipulated by Nepal's Labor Act 2074 be effectively implemented for intern doctors, ensuring equal pay for equal work and decent working hours. She informed the House that although various task forces have prepared reports recommending the provision of 50 percent of the initial salary scale of the eighth level as subsistence allowance to intern doctors, it has not been implemented so far. Although 90 days have passed since the report reached the Medical Education Commission, the commission has not held a meeting to take concrete decisions and move forward with the implementation process. Oli also informed that intern doctors have announced peaceful demonstrations organizationally from this coming Saturday, as they have not received any concrete action despite repeated assurances from the government.