Government Inspections Reveal Widespread Negligence in Hospitals Regarding Labor Laws

Kathmandu. Labor offices have found serious negligence in the implementation of minimum wage, labor agreements, and social security in government and private hospitals during labor inspections conducted across the country.

Looking at the data from the last few days, serious shortcomings in the observance of labor laws have been observed in 95 various government and private hospitals nationwide. Labor and Employment Offices inspected establishments in areas including Jhapa, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Birgunj, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, Nepalgunj, Surkhet, and Dhangadhi, finding violations of workers' basic rights.

During the monitoring, it was found that 38 hospitals and health institutions were not implementing the minimum wage set by the government, and 5 were implementing it partially. Similarly, 60 hospitals and health institutions were found not to be affiliated with the Social Security Fund, and 4 were only partially affiliated. 41 hospitals and health institutions had not made employment agreements, and only 2 had made partial agreements.

In some hospitals, it was found that workers were employed without appointment letters or on verbal agreements. Complaints were also noted regarding employers not providing overtime pay for extra hours worked, and not arranging for leave and festival allowances.

The inspection teams have strictly instructed the hospitals with deficiencies to immediately implement the minimum wage, enroll all workers in the Social Security Fund, enforce labor agreements, and submit a labor audit report. Some establishments have committed to making improvements from the upcoming fiscal year, while others have already begun the process of complying with the directives.

After the labor offices repeatedly corresponded with establishments that did not comply with the directives without receiving a response, they have recommended necessary action to the department. This inspection has highlighted the need for the state to enforce stricter measures to ensure the labor rights of workers in sensitive sectors like health.

In the 9 months prior to the formation of the government, 1,991 labor inspections were conducted, while in the first 100 days of the current government, 1,321 labor inspections have already been completed. The practice of honoring excellent establishments that comply with standards has contributed to the development of a safe work culture in the labor market.

In this regard, the ministry honored 13 local levels declared child labor-free, 6 excellent industrial establishments from across the country, and 7 entrepreneurs. Ensuring workers' rights and creating a conducive environment, fines/compensation of Rs. 4 crore 40 lakh 96 thousand have also been recovered through applications/complaints and inspections.

Expressing commitment to safe, dignified labor and the eradication of child labor, Youth, Labor, and Employment Minister Ramji Yadav stated that the nation will be strong only if proper environments for children, employment, and entrepreneurship for youth are created. He said, "Only when every worker feels secure, when every child is in school, when every employer respects the law, and when every youth believes they can build their future in their own country, will the nation become strong."