Nepal Extends Taskforce Deadline to Address Nurses’ Benefits
Nepal’s government has approved an additional one-month extension for a taskforce established to determine the facilities and benefits for nurses, aligning them with those provided in government service. The decision comes as part of an agreement between the government and a group of agitating nurses.
According to Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), the extension was necessary to allow the taskforce more time to conduct a thorough study on nurses’ benefits and related issues. The new deadline for the taskforce is now set for December 1.
“The taskforce is currently working as per the agreement to determine facilities for nurses,” Dr. Budhathoki said. “Once the taskforce submits its report, the revised facilities will be implemented.”
The taskforce, consisting of 14 members, is led by Dr. Shreekrishna Shrestha, the Joint Secretary of the MoHP. Its primary objective is to evaluate and recommend appropriate facilities for nurses across different types of healthcare institutions. The group will categorize hospitals and determine the corresponding service facilities before submitting its final report.
Shrestha emphasized that the report will include both immediate and implementable measures, ensuring that the recommendations can be swiftly acted upon. He also mentioned that the minister has assured the group that legal amendments may be required, but a bill will be introduced to finalize nurses’ benefits.
“The Minister has assured that even if legal amendments are required, a bill will be introduced to finalize nurses’ benefits,” Shrestha said. “We are preparing the report by evaluating both short-term and long-term measures as per the agreement.”
Under the agreement, major hospitals and medical colleges will provide salaries equivalent to the fifth level starting from Kartik, while other private and community hospitals will offer 80 percent of the fifth-level equivalent facilities. This measure aims to ensure fair compensation and better working conditions for nurses across the country.
Key Points of the Taskforce’s Work
- The taskforce includes 14 members, led by Dr. Shreekrishna Shrestha.
- The group is responsible for evaluating and recommending facilities for nurses based on hospital categories.
- Immediate and long-term measures will be included in the report to ensure effective implementation.
- The government has committed to introducing a bill if legal changes are needed to finalize nurses’ benefits.
Impact on Nurses and Healthcare Institutions
The extension of the taskforce’s deadline reflects the complexity of the issue and the need for careful planning. Nurses have been advocating for better pay and working conditions, and this initiative aims to address their concerns systematically.
By categorizing hospitals and determining appropriate facilities, the taskforce ensures that the recommendations are tailored to the specific needs of each institution. This approach is expected to lead to more equitable treatment for nurses, regardless of where they work.
The agreement also highlights the importance of collaboration between the government and nursing professionals. By involving the agitating nurses’ group in the process, the government demonstrates its commitment to finding a sustainable solution that benefits both the workforce and the healthcare system.
As the taskforce continues its work, all eyes are on the final report, which is expected to bring significant changes to the way nurses are compensated and supported in Nepal.