KATHMANDU, July 28: The Ministry of Health and Food Safety has urged hospitals and healthcare professionals to ensure uninterrupted medical services after doctors and health workers suspended non-emergency services across the country, disrupting patient care and causing long queues at hospitals.
The appeal came after the Nepal Medical Association called on doctors to halt non-emergency services on Tuesday following an attack on doctors and health workers at Narayani Hospital in Birgunj on Saturday.
An urgent plea to protect healthcare providers
In a statement, the ministry urged all hospitals to uphold the sensitivity of healthcare services, the dignity of the medical profession and their social responsibility by ensuring that patients continue to receive treatment without disruption.
"The ministry appeals to all hospitals to create an environment that ensures uninterrupted healthcare services without affecting citizens' access to treatment," the statement said.
The ministry said protecting citizens' right to healthcare and ensuring that health workers can perform their duties in a safe and respectful environment are shared responsibilities.
It also expressed serious concern over recent incidents of assault and abuse against doctors, health workers and healthcare institutions, stating that those responsible would be brought to justice.
The suspension of non-emergency services has left patients and their caregivers facing difficulties across the country. Long queues formed at hospitals as patients waited to register, obtain tickets and receive medical care.
