Jul 26, Kathmandu - In response to Saturday’s violence at Narayani Hospital, doctors across government and private healthcare facilities in Birgunj have launched an indefinite strike, halting all treatment services in protest.

The unrest erupted after the death of 45-year-old Raj Kumar Patel from Ward No. 25 of Birgunj Metropolitan City, who was brought to Narayani Hospital’s emergency ward in critical condition Saturday morning. Following his death, his family and villagers staged protests in the hospital, vandalizing the emergency room and brutally assaulting Dr. Pramod Ram, who was attending to Patel. Dr. Ram is currently receiving treatment in the ICU with serious injuries.

In response, hospital authorities convened an emergency meeting with victim representatives, police officials, and hospital management. A six-member investigation committee was formed to look into the incident, and Dr. Pramod Ram, Dr. Ram Kishor Singh, healthcare worker Prahlad Prasad, Nareesh Kumar Chaudhary, and Aastha Yadav were suspended for one week.

The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) Narayani branch, under the leadership of President Dr. Manoj Kumar Gupta, called for a total shutdown of emergency services across Narayani Hospital and all private hospitals in Birgunj on Sunday afternoon, leading to a complete halt of all medical services in protest.

According to a decision made in a meeting chaired by Dr. Manoj Kumar Gupta, all doctors and healthcare workers have gone on an indefinite strike until their demands are met. The union has demanded the immediate registration of cases against the perpetrators involved in assaulting Dr. Ram and damaging hospital property, under relevant criminal laws.

Furthermore, the union has called for the immediate reinstatement of the five healthcare workers, including doctors suspended following Saturday’s incident. They have also demanded the dissolution of the investigation committee and the cessation of any unauthorized interference, pressure, or biased comments from media or other parties that could tarnish the reputation of medical professionals and institutions.

The union emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures to ensure a secure working environment for all healthcare staff at Narayani Hospital, other government, community, and private health institutions—free from fear, threats, or pressure.

Until their demands are addressed, the Nepal Medical Association has warned that all healthcare services across Birgunj—including hospitals and medical colleges—will remain completely shut down as part of their protest.

Earlier, the Central Committee of the Nepal Medical Association issued a statement condemning Saturday’s violence and called for strict action against those responsible. Union President Dr. Badri Rijal reiterated these demands in a separate statement, criticizing the suspension of emergency staff and asserting that if perpetrators are not held accountable and suspensions lifted immediately, the union will escalate its protests.