Health Ministry and Nepal Medical Association Reach Agreement, Agitation Withdrawn

The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) and the Ministry of Health and Population have reached a nine-point agreement, bringing an end to the NMA’s ongoing agitation over perks and benefits.

The agreement was finalized today in the presence of Health Minister Pradeep Paudel, following negotiations between NMA representatives and ministry officials. With this resolution, the NMA has agreed to withdraw all protest programs and resume regular duties immediately.

As part of the agreement, the ministry has committed to addressing key concerns of doctors, including writing to the Medical Education Commission and other relevant agencies to ensure proper benefits, leave entitlements, and a conducive work environment for interns and resident doctors as per government regulations.

The 17th meeting of the Medical Education Commission had already decided to increase postgraduate medical seats. Additionally, the ministry pledged to push for the implementation of the commission’s decision to provide resident doctors with a living allowance equivalent to the eighth level of the Government of Nepal. The ministry has also sought approval from the Council of Ministers to conduct an organizational and management survey, with plans to present a proposal to increase doctor and health worker posts at a future Cabinet meeting.

Furthermore, a three-member task force, led by Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki and including an under-secretary from the administration and an NMA representative, has been formed to draft a working procedure within a week.

Minister Paudel had earlier formed a negotiation team to address the doctors’ demands. The agreement was reached today after two rounds of discussions.