KATHMANDU: The Government of Nepal and the Nepal Medical Association (NMA) have signed a five-point agreement to resolve the dispute triggered by recent incidents of assault and abuse against healthcare workers, paving the way for the immediate resumption of regular health services.

The agreement was reached following a meeting held on Wednesday at the Ministry of Health and Food Safety, attended by officials from the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, and representatives of the Nepal Medical Association.

Under the agreement, the government has committed to effectively enforcing the Health Workers and Health Institutions Security Act, 2009 (2066 BS) to ensure the safety and protection of healthcare professionals and medical facilities.

The government also agreed to promptly formulate the necessary implementation guidelines under the Act, strengthen legal action against those involved in vandalism at health institutions and attacks on healthcare workers, and enhance coordination among the concerned ministries to ensure effective enforcement.

In addition, the agreement provides for the preparation of a comprehensive action plan to improve security at health institutions. A joint task force, comprising government officials and representatives of the Nepal Medical Association, will be established to oversee implementation and regularly review progress.

Following the agreement, the Nepal Medical Association announced that it has suspended all protest programs with immediate effect and agreed to resume regular healthcare services across the country.