Equal stipend must for resident doctors: Minister
Minister Paudel emphasized that the decision made by the Medical Education Commission (MEC) during its 16th meeting must be implemented without exception.
KATHMANDU: Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Paudel, has issued a stern directive mandating all private medical colleges to implement the decision to provide resident doctors with allowances equivalent to those received by their counterparts in government institutions.
Speaking during a dialogue at the Ministry today with representatives from the Nepal Medical Association and resident doctors, Minister Paudel emphasized that the decision made by the Medical Education Commission (MEC) during its 16th meeting must be implemented without exception.
“If the Commission’s decision is not implemented, we will be compelled to take strict measures such as halting health insurance reimbursements and even revoking affiliations,” Minister Paudel warned. “There is no alternative to implementation.”
The meeting addressed growing concerns from doctors, who allege that they are being intimidated and prevented from returning to work following recent protests. Dr. Anil Bikram Karki, President of the Nepal Medical Association, urged the government to ensure the safety of resident doctors seeking to return to duty.
“Doctors attempting to resume work are facing threats and harassment from some institutions,” Dr. Karki stated. “They are being told they won’t be allowed to take exams or re-enter college premises. A safe and respectful environment must be ensured.”
While some colleges have welcomed the returning doctors, others have reportedly issued threats, warning them against rejoining or attending scheduled exams. Resident doctors have expressed frustration over the unequal treatment and fear of retaliation.
The 16th meeting of the Medical Education Commission, chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Magh 25, decided that all postgraduate (MD/MS) resident doctors in private medical colleges would receive the same living allowance as those in public institutions—equivalent to Level 8 of the health services scale.
In a more recent meeting, the Commission also approved the increase of MBBS quotas in private colleges, while reiterating the obligation to provide equal stipends to all resident doctors.
Despite these decisions and formal directives, several private colleges have yet to comply, prompting ongoing protests by resident doctors across the country.
