/// Press Releases \\\

Protect the Citizen’s Right to health

Nepal Medical Association is in agitation from September 2, by making their protest program public such as stopping administrative operation, closing OPD, lab and radiology services except emergency. Our serious attention has been drawn on the incident of agitation by the Medical Association and closure of all health services. Patients across the country are deprived of their right to health due to the closure of health organizations.

Doctors are in agitation accusing that their profession are in crisis due to criminal prosecution provision in the newly enforced Criminal Code from August 17. The new act is in implementation from August 17, however it was passed a year ago. There is one provision in this act which makes health professional responsible if a patient dies due to his negligence in course of treatment.

Medical sector definitely is not the profession where doctor cannot be penalized even though if his negligence is proved. There are many bodies which can investigate whether it is negligence is or not. It is not that doctors will have to go to the prison immediately after the complaint is lodged. But this issue has been unnecessarily extended knowing that negligence or not can be proved based on the established norms.

The emergency service act restricts the closure of health services. The closing of health service is against humanity which directly violates Nepal’s constitution and law. No one is above  law ,but in our context, there is an increasing trend that one who violates law becomes brave by encouraging the impunity.

We strongly urge Nepal Medical Association to be aware on a risk borne to the lives of thousands of people due to the closure of emergency services. At the same time we also urge association to maintain their professionalism by bearing the responsibility of serious issue such as health and emergency services. We would like to draw attention of the Medical association and government of Nepal that there is always a way out of the problem which can be meet through a meaningful dialogue.

Subodh Raj Pyakurel

Chairperson