KATHMANDU, June 17: The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) has demanded security in health institutions and hospitals across the country for the safety of doctors and health workers. 

NMA has submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, demanding security measures to health institutions in view of the increasing incidents of verbal abuse, physical assault, and vandalism against doctors and healthcare workers as well as hospital buildings.

The security of health workers and health institutions nationwide has become a matter of great concern due to the lack of awareness among security agencies and the judiciary. The memorandum reads, "We request the state to create an appropriate environment where healthcare providers, including doctors and health workers, can dedicate themselves to providing health services in a safe manner according to the laws and regulations."

The memorandum highlights the incident of misconduct and inappropriate behavior towards doctors and health workers in Nepal Medical College, Attarkhel, Jorpati. The recent incident of violence and disrespectful behavior towards doctors and health workers, leading to disruption in the treatment process, has drawn the attention of Home Minister Shrestha.

The NMA has drawn attention to similar incidents in other hospitals. Dr Anil Bikram Karki, president of the NMA, said, “The doctors and health workers all over the country feel unsafe due to incidents of verbal abuse, assaults and vandalism targeting doctors and health workers in various places of the country including Narayani Hospital in Birgunj, Sindhuli Hospital and Siraha Hospital.”

NMA has also expressed concern over increasing incidents of hospital vandalism and indecent behavior instead of pursuing a legal course for action if relatives of any patients are not satisfied with the treatment process.

 
• Nepal_Medical_Association
 
• security
 
• health_institutions
 
• health_workers