BIRGUNJ, July 28: Dozens of doctors at Narayani Hospital in Birgunj have submitted mass resignations in protest against the assault on a colleague and the vandalism at the hospital, escalating a dispute that has already disrupted healthcare services across Nepal.
The doctors, who have been protesting since Saturday's attack, accused the local administration of failing to ensure the safety of healthcare workers. They had demanded the resignation of the Chief District Officer (CDO) and the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Parsa. After their demands went unmet, they proceeded with their resignations.
Doctors at Bir Hospital resign en masse
Of the hospital's around 70 doctors, 30 submitted their resignation letters to Medical Superintendent Dr. Chittaranjan Sah at around 10 pm on Monday. According to Dr Sah, signatures from the remaining doctors are being collected, and all are expected to resign.
The protesting doctors have demanded stronger security measures for healthcare workers, immediate arrest and strict punishment of those responsible for the attack, and the resignation of the CDO and SP, holding them accountable for the security lapse. They have also warned that the movement will be expanded nationwide if their demands are ignored, with doctors across the country prepared to submit mass resignations.
The incident has sparked nationwide protests by healthcare professionals. Hospitals across the country have suspended all non-emergency services, while the Nepal Medical Association on Tuesday announced a nationwide halt to all healthcare services except emergency care in protest against the attack and what it described as the administration's handling of the incident. The Association has also demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved, along with concrete measures to ensure a safe working environment for doctors and other health workers.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Food Safety has appealed to hospitals and healthcare professionals to ensure that medical services remain uninterrupted. In a statement, the Ministry urged healthcare institutions to uphold the sensitivity of healthcare services, the dignity of the medical profession, and their social responsibility by continuing to provide treatment to patients without disruption.
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