Implement Inked Deal

Over the past few weeks, something extraordinary has gripped Nepal's healthcare sector: a series of strikes by doctors and nurses, threatening to throw hospitals and health care institutions out of gear. First it was Dr. Govinda K.C., who launched his 24th indefinite hunger strike on July 23 in Dhangadhi. After five days, on July 27, he ended his strike following a seven-point agreement with the government. Then, on July 28, came the nationwide strikes by doctors under Nepal Medical Association in solidarity with the doctor at the Narayani Hospital in Birgunj, who sustained life-threatening injuries as a result of attacks by the relatives of a heart patient who died during the course of treatment. The protest was called off with a five-point agreement between the agitating doctors and the government on July 29. Under the agreement, the government has committed to taking concrete steps for legal reforms related to doctor safety.