Health Service Act to Address Professional Welfare of Nurses: Minister Poudel
Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Paudel, assured that the professional rights and welfare of nurses would be integrated into the upcoming Health Service Act. Speaking at the 63rd anniversary celebration of the Nepal Nursing Association and its annual general meeting today, Minister Paudel revealed that the draft of the Act was nearly complete and hinted that it could be endorsed in the upcoming winter session of Parliament.
The Minister stressed the need for the introduction and implementation of measures aimed at enhancing the professional and personal development of nurses. These measures would include increased facilities, ensuring a safe working environment, and introducing reward and punishment provisions. Minister Paudel also highlighted the importance of preventing the out-migration of nursing professionals and advocated for merit-based promotions, emphasizing that recommendations should not override performance.
Referring to the Labour Act, Paudel reiterated that skilled workers, including nurses, cannot be paid less than Rs 22,000. He urged nurses to report any violations, warning that hospitals found breaching this regulation could face contract nullification. Despite this, Paudel acknowledged that many nursing professionals were hesitant to report due to fear of repercussions, urging them to stand up for their rights.
At the event, Nepal Nursing Association’s Chairperson Chandrakala Sharma raised concerns about the challenging working conditions nurses face. She criticized the inadequate remuneration and facilities available to nurses and called for government intervention. “Globally, there is a severe shortage of nurses. Yet, in Nepal, skilled nurses are often employed on contract basis,” Sharma lamented, urging for better monitoring to ensure nurses receive the standard remuneration set by the government.
Tara Pokharel, former Chairperson of the Association, expressed her worry over the lack of a conducive work environment in Nepal. She pointed out that, although approximately 120,000 nurses obtain their licenses annually in Nepal, it remains uncertain whether 50,000 licensed nurses are actually employed within the country, largely due to unfavorable working conditions. Pokharel warned that if the trend of nurses migrating abroad continues, Nepal may eventually need to import nurses from other countries.
Also addressing the gathering, Nepal Medical Association President Anil Bikram Karki acknowledged the essential role of nurses in the healthcare system, stating that the sector cannot function without them. He criticized political leadership for failing to prioritize human resources in the healthcare sector, which he said had contributed to the sector’s underdevelopment.
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