Nationwide Hospital Services Resume Today After Government and Nepal Medical Association Reach Five Point Agreement

Normal healthcare services across Nepal are set to fully resume today after the government and the Nepal Medical Association (NMA) reached a five point agreement, bringing an end to the nationwide doctors' protest that had affected hospital operations in recent days.

The agreement, signed on Wednesday, follows discussions between government officials and representatives of the medical community after healthcare professionals raised concerns over repeated physical assaults and mistreatment of doctors and other health workers while carrying out their duties.

With the agreement now in place, hospitals and medical institutions across the country have withdrawn all protest programmes. Outpatient Department (OPD) services, along with other regular healthcare services, are expected to return to normal, allowing patients to once again receive routine medical care without disruption.

The doctors' protest had been launched in response to growing concerns over the safety of healthcare professionals. Medical associations argued that attacks against doctors and hospital staff had created fear in workplaces and highlighted the urgent need for stronger legal protection and security measures within health institutions.

As part of the five point agreement, the government has committed to strictly enforcing the Health Workers and Health Institutions Security Act, 2009. Authorities have also agreed to prepare a comprehensive security plan aimed at improving safety in hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country.

Another key provision of the agreement is the formation of a task force within seven days. The committee will study and recommend necessary amendments to the Consumer Protection Act, 2018, addressing concerns raised by healthcare professionals regarding legal provisions that affect medical practice and patient disputes.

The agreement is expected to improve trust between healthcare workers and the government while ensuring that hospitals remain safe working environments for medical professionals. Health experts believe stronger security measures can help doctors and nurses provide quality care without fear of violence or intimidation.

Patients across Nepal are expected to benefit immediately from the restoration of full hospital services. Thousands of people who had postponed medical consultations, follow up appointments, and routine treatments during the protest can now return to hospitals as normal operations resume.

The resolution of the dispute through dialogue has been welcomed as an important step toward maintaining stability in Nepal's healthcare system. Both the government and the Nepal Medical Association have expressed their commitment to implementing the agreed measures and ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services for the public.

Hospital administrations have also urged patients to contact their respective health facilities regarding appointment schedules as regular services resume nationwide from today.