Doctors in Nepal ended a nationwide strike on 29 July after two days in which non-emergency health services were shut across the country.
The Kathmandu Post reported that the Nepal Medical Association called off the protest after reaching a five-point agreement with the government.
The dispute followed an assault on a doctor and vandalism at Narayani Hospital in Birgunj. Under the agreement reported by the Post, authorities committed to legal action in relation to the incident and to work on proposed changes involving protections for health workers and health institutions.
During the stoppage, emergency services remained open but were placed under heavy pressure as large numbers of patients were unable to access normal hospital services.
The episode highlighted two serious problems at once: violence and threats faced by health workers, and the impact on patients when essential health services are disrupted.
For Nepalis living overseas with parents and relatives at home, disruption to Nepal’s health system can quickly become a family concern. Australia Nepal will continue to follow major health-policy and service developments that affect access to care.