Medical fraternity that has been opposing the Civil Servants Adjustment Ordinance 2075 has warned that they will not participate in the adjustment process until their demands are addressed by the government.

On Friday, 11 medical associations submitted a memorandum to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health and Population Upendra Yadav, listing all

the discriminations that are present in the ordinance for the civil servants working in medical sector.

The Government Doctors’ Association of Nepal (GODAN), Paramedicals’ Association of Nepal, Nepal Nursing Association, Medical Laboratory Association of Nepal, National Association of Health Professionals, Health Professional Organisation of Nepal, Nepal Health Workers Union, Madhesi Health Workers Forum, Health Workers Union of Nepal and other organisations jointly handed over the memorandum to Yadav, and demanded that the government address the five-point demands mentioned in it. Some of their demands are: promoting those who participate in the adjustment, forming service acts in local and provincial level first; allowing those participating in the adjustment to enter and get transfer to the provincial level, among others.

“We have been completely discriminated in the ordinance, and this is unacceptable to us. We have been raising this issue to concerned authorities multiple times but no positive response has been made to our demands,” said Rajendra Khadka, President of Paramedicals’ Association of Nepal.

“Civil servants of other sectors participating in the adjustment are promoted but those involved in the health sector are not. Why should we accept to participate in such adjustment that is unfair to us?” said Dr Dipendra Pandey, President of GODAN.

Medical fraternities have also warned the government of stern protests and

have stated that the government’s attitude reflects a lack of concern to their demands. They have also said that the responsibility of this opposition’s effects will be on them.

“Minister Yadav has shown positive response and we have been called by the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration for talks. If we are assured that our demands will be addressed and we will be supported, we will stop pressuring the government,” said Khadka.

Along with the medical fraternities, other sectors too have also been protesting against the adjustment ordinance citing lack of proper provision for all. Opposition party Nepali Congress have also stated reservations over the ordinance citing lack of homework and hurry in passing the ordinance on the government’s part.

“Before endorsing the ordinance, local, state and federal level government should make their service act. The ordinance should not be tabled in Parliament and should be removed for now,” said Nepali Congress Lawmaker Gagan Thapa while addressing the Parliament on Friday. “We will support the government in making the service act for local and provincial levels by working day and night. The adjustment ordinance should only be endorsed once the provisions are accepted by all civil servants,” he said.