Sep 29, Kathmandu- Outpatient (OPD) services have been closed in Birgunj hospitals and clinics on Friday in protest against the ongoing attacks on doctors.

On the call of Narayani Branch of Nepal Doctors Association, the doctors of Birgunj stopped OPD services in government and private hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and medical colleges on Friday.

Dr. Manoj Gupta, President of the Narayani Branch of the Physicians Association and Dr. Nausad Haque, Secretary, issued a joint statement, strongly condemning the increasing number of incidents in doctors and health institutions and said that the OPD services were closed on Friday.

The police administration has turned a blind eye to the incidents of beatings on doctors and vandalism in hospitals, and despite repeated talks and agreements between the government and the doctors' association, the security agencies of the Nepalese government have not been able to play an effective role in protecting doctors and health workers and health institutions, the union said.

OPD services were closed in Birgunj on Friday in protest against the government's failure to provide security to doctors and health workers who are working round the clock to protect the lives of citizens, the union said.

Earlier on Thursday and Wednesday, the doctors of Birgunj staged a protest rally demanding the resignation of Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha and Health Minister Mohan Basnet.