Resident Doctors Refuse to End Protest, Say No Real Agreement Made

Despite news of a four-point agreement with the government, resident doctors in Nepal have decided to continue their protest.

On Saturday, a meeting was held in Kathmandu between Health Minister Pradeep Poudel, the Nepal Medical Association and some resident doctors. Many believed the talks had ended with an agreement. However, the protesting doctors have denied this.

Dr Sanjay Baral, spokesperson for the “Safe Work Environment for Healthcare Workers Struggle Committee”, said no actual deal was made. He accused the government of only making promises and issuing statements, without taking real action.

In a statement, Dr Baral said, “We’ve seen news about an agreement between the protestors and the government, but we want to make it clear, there is no agreement.”

The doctors also said they haven’t been paid according to the eighth level of the government pay scale for the past three months, as per the decision of the 16th meeting of the Medical Education Commission. This unpaid salary issue is one of the main reasons why they are continuing their protest.

The protesting doctors are demanding better working conditions, fair pay and a safer workplace.