KATHMANDU: Hospital services, except for emergency care, have been severely disrupted in the Kathmandu Valley due to a doctors’ protest demanding a minimum wage. The protest, which has intensified over the past few days, has left many patients facing significant difficulties in accessing medical care.

Doctors have gone on strike, suspending all services except for emergency care. Residential doctors from private medical colleges are also protesting for government-equivalent salaries and benefits, adding to the strain on medical facilities.

On Friday, doctors staged a rally from Maitighar to New Baneshwor as part of their ongoing demand for fair pay. This protest is a continuation of their efforts to secure a minimum wage and better working conditions.

In response to the ongoing strike, the Nepal Medical Association issued a statement on Thursday, urging doctors to refrain from participating in any non-essential services, including general treatments and procedures. The statement also outlined that only emergency services would remain operational from today (Baisakh 12), with all other services at both private and government hospitals, medical colleges, and clinics shut down.

Postgraduate (PG) resident doctors are also protesting against private medical colleges’ refusal to provide allowances. These doctors have demanded that the allowance set by the Medical Education Commission—48,000 rupees per month for the 8th level—be implemented.

Patients who visited hospitals in Kathmandu have been left in distress due to the suspension of services, highlighting the significant impact the strike is having on the healthcare system.