Kathmandu: Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Paudel, has formed a task force to implement agreements made with resident doctors regarding their work conditions and additional benefits.

The decision follows an agreement reached on Baisakh 20 (May 2) in the presence of Minister Paudel, which focused on determining duty hours, leave policies, and supplementary facilities for resident doctors.

To provide recommendations on these matters, the minister has appointed Dr. Tank Barakoti, Director General of the Department of Health Services, as the coordinator of the newly formed task force.

Other members of the committee include:

Dr. Sujan Babu Marhatta, Director of Planning and Academic Enhancement, Medical Education Commission

Dr. Mohan Sharma, Dean of the Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University

Dr. Krishna Prasad Paudel, Chief of the Policy, Planning, and Monitoring Division, Ministry of Health

Rishiraj Acharya, Chief of the Administration Division, Ministry of Health

Dr. Lochan Karki, Rector of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS)

Dr. Manoj Humagain, Dean of Kathmandu University

Dr. Sumesh Mishra, Representative of Private Medical Colleges

Dr. Sunita Lamsal, Officer at the Ministry, who will serve as Member Secretary

The task force has been mandated to evaluate the current conditions of duty hours, leave entitlements, and additional facilities for resident doctors. Additionally, it will examine international practices and propose feasible and actionable recommendations for reform.

According to Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the Ministry, the task force has been instructed to submit its report within two weeks. “We expect the task force’s report to be instrumental in executing the agreement made with the resident doctors,” Dr. Budhathoki stated.