Kathmandu: The government has established a 14-member committee led by Prof Dr Sri Krishna Shrestha, an additional secretary of the Ministry of Health and Population, to address the salary-related demands of nursing health workers. Nurses from various private hospitals and medical colleges across the nation have initiated protests, claiming inadequate compensation for their services.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Prime Minister Sushila Karki engaged in discussions with health ministry officials, instructing them to resolve the issue promptly. Dr Bikas Devkota, Secretary at the Ministry, stated that efforts are in progress to facilitate the return of protesting nurses to their duties, with the committee convening its first meeting today. The committee has been tasked with submitting a preliminary report within a week, outlining immediate and long-term solutions.
The committee includes Dr Anup Banstola, Chief of the Grievance Handling Unit, along with representatives from various government and nursing bodies such as the Nepal Nursing Council and the Nursing Association of Nepal. The Chief of the Medical Service, Education, and Research Section under the Health Ministry will serve as the committee’s member-secretary. The nurses are advocating for a basic salary of Rs 34,730 per month, as determined by the government.