NMA, Health Ministry ink 9-point deal

KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 21: The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) and the Ministry of Health and Population have reached a nine-point agreement following negotiations held today in the presence of Health Minister Pradeep Paudel.

NMA, which had been protesting to press for better perks and benefits, has now agreed to withdraw all agitation programs and resume regular work.

During the discussions, representatives of NMA and ministry officials met at the Ministry of Health and Population, where Minister Paudel pledged to implement the agreed provisions on behalf of the government.

As part of the agreement, the Ministry will formally request the Medical Education Commission and other relevant agencies to ensure appropriate perks, benefits, leave entitlements, and a healthy working environment for doctors undergoing internships and residency, in accordance with prevailing government regulations.

The 17th meeting of the Medical Education Commission had already decided to increase the number of postgraduate seats. Additionally, the Ministry has committed to coordinating with stakeholders to implement the commission’s decision to provide resident doctors with a living allowance equivalent to the eighth level of the Government of Nepal. Furthermore, the Ministry has sought approval from the Council of Ministers to conduct an organization and management (O&M) survey.

Once the survey is completed, the Ministry has pledged to take the issue of increasing positions for doctors and health workers to the Cabinet for approval, as prior consent has already been obtained from the Council of Ministers.

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

Minister Paudel had earlier assigned a team to engage in talks with the protesting doctors, acknowledging that their demands had not been addressed. Following two rounds of negotiations, both parties reached an agreement today.