Government Studying Measures Against VIPs Using Hospitals to Avoid Arrest

In a bid to address the concerning trend of high-profile individuals resorting to hospital admissions to evade police custody, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Rabi Lamichhane spearheaded discussions with representatives of the Nepal Medical Council (NMC) on Friday.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Home Affairs, saw Lamichhane actively engaging with the NMC to devise strategies to deter the misuse of hospitals for avoiding legal accountability. Lamichhane sought comprehensive suggestions from the council to tackle this issue effectively.

One of the primary outcomes of the meeting was Lamichhane’s request for the NMC to prepare a detailed report shedding light on internal hospital practices and the escalating phenomenon of political leaders and business figures seeking admission to hospitals immediately following their arrest.

Assurances were given by the NMC representatives present at the meeting, including Dr. Kunjang Sherpa, Dr. Rupak Ghimire, Dr. Pranaya Ratna Shakya, and Dr. Kalu Singh Khatri, that they would diligently work on compiling the report, with a commitment to submit it by Monday.

Dr. Sherpa highlighted the significance of this initiative, noting that it marks the first instance of the government taking concrete steps to investigate and address the unethical practice of misusing hospital admissions to circumvent legal proceedings.

The forthcoming report is anticipated to provide valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers to devise measures aimed at ensuring the integrity of the legal process while upholding the sanctity of medical facilities.

This proactive approach by the government underscores its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, signaling a significant step towards addressing systemic challenges in the country’s legal and healthcare sectors.