Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Doctors have withdrawn their protest following the signing of a nine-point agreement between the Nepal Medical Association and the Ministry of Health and Population.
The breakthrough was reached during the meeting between the two sides in the presence of Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel on Friday.
After signing the agreement, NMA has decided to withdraw all protest activities with immediate effect and resume regular services.
During the discussions, the ministry agreed to ensure service facilities, leave, and a healthy workplace for doctors undergoing internship and residency as per the government’s existing rules. The ministry has also expressed commitment to communicate with relevant bodies, including the Nepal Medical Education Commission, to address these issues.
Minister Paudel said that the will initiate the process of implementing the agreed-upon points immediately.
Regarding the NMA’s demand to increase the number of postgraduate seats, the 17th meeting of the commission held on February 12 has decided to add 209 seats at the postgraduate level. Likewise, an agreement has already been reached to provide residential doctors with a stipend equivalent to government doctors at the eighth level.
The ministry has also received preliminary approval from the cabinet for an organizational and management survey. It has said that a decision on increasing the quotas for doctors and health workers will be taken as per the survey report.
