Health Minister Nisha Mehta Addresses Narayani Hospital Violence

Kathmandu. Health and Food Hygiene Minister Nisha Mehta has expressed serious concern over the vandalism and violent attack on health workers following the death of a patient during treatment at Narayani Hospital in Birgunj.

Expressing condolences to the deceased, she clarified that violence in sensitive places like hospitals is unacceptable.

Following the incident, Minister Mehta has been continuously coordinating and taking initiatives with Home Minister Sudhan Gurung, Inspector General of Nepal Police, Chief District Officer of Parsa, security agency officials, Medical Superintendent of Narayani Hospital, and office bearers of the Nepal Medical Association.

In the course of coordination, one person involved in the incident has been arrested, and further investigation and legal proceedings are underway. Minister Mehta has pledged that an impartial investigation will be conducted and the guilty will be punished according to the prevailing law.

Inquiring about the health condition of Medical Officer Dr. Pramod Ram, who was seriously injured in the incident, she stated that the entire treatment cost has been arranged by the Nepal government. A representative team has been sent to Birgunj from the ministry to understand the facts, monitor the situation, and ensure the smooth operation of health services.

Stating that quality services can be provided to citizens only if health workers are safe, Minister Mehta said that the government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards violence in health institutions. Security arrangements have been made for the uninterrupted operation of Narayani Hospital. Emphasizing that health institutions are centers of hope for saving citizens' lives, she appealed to everyone for restraint, cooperation, and collaboration, stating that violence cannot be a means of expressing pain or anger.