Doctors on strike in Nepal; thousands without care

KATMANDU — Thousands of doctors across Nepal have stayed away from work to support a colleague who has been on a hunger strike for days demanding reforms in medical education.

Tens of thousands of patients have been deprived of medical services because of the doctors’ strike. Only emergency services are being provided.

The Nepal Medical Association, the umbrella body of doctors, says the striking doctors are supporting Dr. Govind K.C., who has been on a hunger strike for the past 10 days. He is demanding the removal of the government-appointed head of the Tribhuwan University Teaching Hospital in Katmandu, the capital, and an end to government interference in medical education.

The doctors’ strike started Sunday. They say it will continue until their demands are met.