Docs told to return to work
KATHMANDU, JAN 21 -
The apex court on Monday ordered the agitating doctors to resume services in hospitals across the country within an hour of receiving its order.
A single bench of Justice Prakash Wosti stated that the doctors cannot resort to strike in hospitals, which provide essential services.
The court also cited some precedents, including orders to end strikes in Bir Hospital and Cancer Hospital, Chitwan.
The order comes at a time when 400 hospitals, both public and private, have suspended services except emergency. The doctors resorted to the move to express their solidarity with Dr Govinda KC, who has been staging fast-unto-death for 10 days demanding that incumbent dean of Institute of Medicine (IoM) Dr Sashi Sharma be removed from his position. One of the petitioners, Advocate Sunil Ranjan Singh argued that the protest at the IoM over the dean appointment has hampered patients in availing treatment.
Defendants in the petition include the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Education, TU Teaching Hospital, the IoM, Ministry of Home Affairs and Nepal Medical Association (NMA).
Another petitioner Advocate Bishnu Timilsina has demanded an independent committee to study the institutional problem at TUTH. The petition also demands that if a complaint is filed, the complainant be provided compensation of Rs 5000 per day of closure. The NMA act of shutting down essential medical services from Sunday after the government appeared non-committal in fulfilling the demands even as the fasting doctor’s health became critical.
The NMA said it would continue with the protest programme as it has not received the court order yet.
Rights bodies’ concerns
The National Human Rights Commission has urged the government to create a conducive environment to begin dialogue on the demands put forward by Dr Gobinda KC.
The rights body has also asked the agitating doctors to abide by national and international human rights norms and resume all medical services.
Similarly, the Asian Human Rights Commission has urged the government to address Dr KC’s demands and save his life.
Dozens of protesters detained, released
Police detained dozens of protesters, including health professionals, from Maitighar Manadala in the Capital on Monday after the group tried to enter the restricted zone during a demonstration organised to show solidarity with Dr Govinda KC.
Dr KC, a professor and senior orthopedic working at the Institute of Medicine under the Tribhuvan University, has been on an indefinite fast since January 11 putting forth his seven-point demand, including the immediate removal of the newly appointed IoM Dean Dr Sashi Sharma.
DSP Bhim Dhakal, spokesperson at the Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Range, said around 70 protesters were held after they tried to enter the restricted zone around noon. They were later ferried to the TU Teaching Hospital. The group had demonstrated for two hours at Maitighar Mandala before police intervened.
Later in the afternoon, the protesting doctors and health professionals picketed the Prime Minister’s residence, demanding the government to address Dr KC’s demands.
But the police did not intervene in the Baluwatar demonstration as the agitating group stayed out of the restricted zone.
Dr KC’s health worsens
A medical team looking after Dr Govinda KC said his health condition has deteriorated further. “He is feeling drowsy and his blood pressure has dipped despite being administered intravenous drip. His blood analysis shows respiratory alkalosis,” the team said in a health bulletin, adding that Dr KC will have to be shifted to Intensive Care Unit should his blood pressure drop further.
