Kathmandu. The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) has announced a phase-wise agitation against the decision of the Consumer Court in a case against the hospital and doctors.
The association has objected to the consumer court’s interference in the medical practice, saying the decisions of the consumer court are in conflict with the jurisdiction of the Nepal Medical Council.
The association has demanded to amend the Consumer Protection Act 2075 BS to ensure that only the Medical Council has the right to deal with medical issues.
Issuing a press release, the association has decided to provide services to doctors and health workers across the country by wearing black bands from June 15 as part of the phased movement.
Prior to launching the protest programme, the association held discussions with various hospital heads, private medical and dental college associations, APHIN, APPON, Nepal Nursing Association, doctors’ society and other stakeholders regarding the decision of the consumer court.
During the discussion, the participants opined that the semi-judicial Nepal Medical Council should investigate and hear about the negligence or lapses in the course of treatment by the doctors or hospitals.
The meeting was held by The Association’s General Secretary. It has been decided to form a working group comprising representatives of various health organizations under the coordination of Sanjeev Tiwari. The association will again hold a meeting with all the stakeholders on June 15 to decide the future course of action.
The association has warned that if the concerned bodies do not listen to the demands put forward by them, they may announce programs of agitation to stop the service.
Doctors and hospital operators have protested against the consumer court’s decision to pay a total compensation of Rs 25 million against the three hospitals and the doctors working there in the last one-and-a-half months.
