Health Ministry Orders Implementation of Minimum Wages for Health Workers

The Ministry of Health and Population has issued a directive mandating all health institutions to ensure minimum wages and other benefits for health workers, including nurses.

The directive, addressed to health academies, government offices, medical colleges, and private and community hospitals, emphasized compliance with government standards for salaries and facilities.

“A secretary-level decision on December 12 requires all health institutions to provide minimum wages and related benefits to nurses and health workers as per government provisions,” the circular stated.

The ministry also called for strict adherence to additional allowances for overtime work, hiring health professionals on contract rather than daily wages, and refraining from retaining original academic certificates. Additionally, institutions must issue experience letters and pay salaries through banking channels.

Health Minister Pradip Paudel spearheaded the decision to improve the working conditions of health professionals. The directive aims to standardize services and ensure fair treatment for health workers across the country.