KATHMANDU: The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) on Wednesday continued its nationwide protest for a second consecutive day, suspending all non-emergency services at government and private hospitals across the country in response to the violent attack on doctors and health workers at Narayani Hospital in Birgunj.

The association said it was forced to intensify its agitation after the government failed to take legal action against those responsible for the assault on medical personnel and the vandalism at the hospital.

As part of the protest, hospitals nationwide have halted outpatient department (OPD) services, routine health checkups, scheduled surgeries, and other non-emergency medical care. Emergency services, however, continue to operate.

The strike has disrupted healthcare delivery across Nepal, leaving thousands of patients unable to receive scheduled treatment. Major public hospitals in Kathmandu, including the Teaching Hospital and Bir Hospital, have witnessed a significant increase in patient numbers as people seek alternative medical care.

Many patients who arrived for routine consultations and planned procedures were turned away due to the suspension of services, while others were forced to seek treatment through emergency departments or at other healthcare facilities.

The Nepal Medical Association has warned that it may further escalate its protest if the government fails to immediately bring those responsible for the Birgunj attack to justice and guarantee the safety and security of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers.

Meanwhile, patients and the general public have expressed growing concern over the disruption to essential healthcare services, urging the government to address the doctors’ legitimate demands without delay and restore normal hospital operations as soon as possible.