Govt Forms Committee to Address Nurses’ Pay Demands

The government has formed a 14-member committee to address the demands of nurses and other health workers seeking fair pay and benefits.

The committee is headed by Professor Dr Shree Krishna Shrestha, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Population. It was formed following protests by nurses from various private hospitals and medical colleges who have accused employers of paying below the government-mandated minimum salary.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who also serves as Minister for Health, called a meeting with ministry officials on Thursday and directed them to take immediate action.

According to Health Secretary Dr Bikash Devkota, the committee held its first meeting on Monday, October 13, and is working to create an environment for striking nurses to return to work.

“Tomorrow [October 20] marks the start of the Tihar holidays, and with many staff on leave, workload pressure will rise. We are trying to reach an agreement today itself so nurses can resume their duties,” Dr Devkota said. “We have also called on the agitating nurses to return to work.”

The committee has been tasked with submitting a preliminary report within one week. Its mandate is to recommend both short- and long-term measures to resolve the issue.

Members include Dr Anup Bastola, head of the Health Ministry’s Grievance Hearing Unit; representatives from the Medical Education Commission; the Department of Health Services’ Nursing and Social Security Division; and officials from the Home, Finance, Labour, and Education ministries.

Representatives from the Nepal Nursing Council, Nepal Nursing Association, Nepal Medical and Dental College Association, Association of Private Health Institution Nepal (APHIN), and the protesting nurses have also been included.

The head of the ministry’s Medical Services, Education, and Research Division will serve as the member secretary.

The nurses have demanded payment of the government-set minimum monthly salary of Rs 34,730, along with other benefits.

Committee’s Terms of Reference:

Review and analyse circulars and reports issued by the Ministry of Health and Population and other agencies concerning remuneration and benefits of nurses and health workers employed in private and community hospitals.

Reach an agreement to ensure immediate enforcement of the government’s directive requiring private and community health institutions to pay at least the minimum salary and allowances equivalent to those in the public sector.

Recommend policies, actions, and long-term plans to prevent recurrence of such disputes and ensure sustainable resolution of the issue.