House panel directs govt to take action against individuals manhandling doctors

KATHMANDU: The Education, Health, and Information Technology Committee of the House of Representatives has directed the government to take appropriate action against individuals involved in the manhandling of healthcare professionals.

This committee issued the directive after holding discussions with Minister for Health and Population Mohan Basnet and representatives of the Nepal Medical Association, different associations of health professionals, and officials of relevant government agencies on Friday.

Health professionals have taken to the streets demanding action against those responsible for the attack on health professionals. Some individuals manhandled Dr Anil Shah at Pokhara-based Manipal Hospital after a patient passed away while undergoing treatment on Monday. Earlier this month, two doctors were attacked at Hetauda-based Sancho Hospital accusing their negligence for the death of a patient about a month ago.

After the meeting, the committee decided to instruct the Ministry of Health and Population to create a conducive working environment for health professionals in health institutions across the country. The committee also made a similar request to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Furthermore, the committee has encouraged both parties to engage in dialogue to resolve these issues amicably.

In addition, the house panel has decided to form a sub-committee and a task force to thoroughly study problems in the health sector and propose effective solutions.