Over 1,800 health workers protest in Madhesh Province over promotion barriers (photos)
Many of the affected employees began their careers at the fourth level and now find themselves stuck in administrative limbo.
KATHMANDU: More than 1,800 health workers in Madhesh Province have taken to the streets, staging a sit-in protest in front of the Chief Minister’s Office.
The protest, which began on Chaitra 25, includes fourth and fifth-level Community Health Assistants (CMA) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM), who say they are being denied promotion opportunities due to a clause in a newly introduced provincial law.
According to protest coordinator Mohan Sah, the issue stems from a specific provision in the Madhesh Province Local Service Formation and Operation Act, 2081.
The clause in question states that “promotions for health workers already adjusted under the Staff Adjustment Act, 2075 will only be conducted in accordance with this Act.”
Sah claims this wording has effectively blocked eligible health workers from receiving promotions, as the Madhesh Public Service Commission has halted the promotion process based on the clause.
Many of the affected employees began their careers at the fourth level and now find themselves stuck in administrative limbo.
Approximately half of the protesting health workers are women, who have been actively participating in the sit-in, demanding clarity and a fair resolution from the provincial government.
The protest underscores growing dissatisfaction among frontline healthcare workers in Madhesh, highlighting administrative hurdles that are impacting both career progression and morale.
