KATHMANDU, April 29: Resident doctors continued their protest for the 27th consecutive day on Tuesday, citing that their demands have not been fulfilled.
Since April 3, they have been boycotting services and have taken to the streets, with today's demonstration stretching from Maitighar to Baneshwor in Kathmandu.
The protesting doctors have reiterated that they will not end their movement unless the government guarantees them a living allowance equivalent to that of the 8th level civil servants.
Resident doctors call off protests
Initially, private medical college operators were reluctant to provide such allowances, arguing financial constraints. However, after the government hinted at allowing increased seats and fees at the undergraduate level, the operators have shown a willingness to raise the allowances.
The 19th meeting of the Medical Education Commission (MEC) held on March 28 decided that the number of MBBS seats and tuition fees could be increased.
The resident doctors have also accused private medical colleges of subjecting them to severe labor exploitation. Therefore, the resident doctors have also advanced additional demands, including not being made to work more than 72 hours per week, ensuring a mandatory 28 days of annual leave, and providing additional leave as needed for bereavement and maternity.
Although efforts are ongoing for dialogue between the government and medical college operators, the protest has continued due to the lack of any concrete agreement.
Here are some photos of the protest taken by Republica’s Photojournalist Dipesh Darshandhari:
