KATHMANDU, September 14: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has assured that individuals responsible for physically assaulting doctors will face legal consequences.
During a meeting at Baluwatar on Thursday, where he received a memorandum submitted by the Nepal Medical Association (NMA), Prime Minister Dahal reiterated that strict action will be taken against those involved in attacking doctors.
The NMA, which is an umbrella organization of medical professionals across the country, held a meeting with Prime Minister Dahal and Minister of Health and Population Mohan Bahadur Basnet on Thursday, submitting a memorandum that called for swift action against aggressors targeting medical professionals.
The memorandum specifically urges action against individuals attacking doctors and healthcare workers in accordance with the Safety and Security of Health Workers and Health Institutions Act (First Amendment).
Ruling parties' pledges must translate into action
The NMA unequivocally condemned the recent attack on doctors in Hetauda, which triggered this action, demanding the swift identification and prosecution of the assailants.
The assault occurred on September 13 when two doctors, Dr. Bikash Thapa and Dr. Prashant Bidari, were viciously attacked at Sancho Hospital in Hetauda while they were attending to patients. The NMA has demanded legal action against those involved in this incident.
NMA Vice President, Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, conveyed that Prime Minister Dahal had provided assurance that any person resorting to violence against healthcare workers would be held accountable. The NMA delegation, led by its President, Dr. Anil Bikram Karki, handed over the memorandum to Prime Minister Dahal.
In response to the incident, the police have taken four individuals into custody. This development comes after 42-year-old Rajesh Pradhan of Padampokhari-12, Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City, passed away during medical treatment.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Sitaram Rijal confirmed the arrests, stating that the Makwanpur District Police Office had detained the deceased's wife, Rama Pradhan, daughter Ramita, son Rohit, and nephew Anup in connection with the attack.
The assault, captured on video, had gone viral on social media platforms. In the video, a group of individuals can be seen brutally attacking the two doctors from Sancho Hospital in Hetauda-2.
The NMA has released the following statement in response to the incident:
