Doctors aligned with Nepal Medical Association (NMA) on Sunday submitted around 6000 signatures and their licences to Nepal Medical Council (NMC). The agitating doctors have been demanding the government remove the provision of criminal prosecution from the newly enforced Criminal Code.

A team doctors led by NMA President Dr Muktiram Shrestha went to Bansbari-based office of Nepal Medical Council and handed over their apron, medical licences and signatures to NMC acting president Narayan Bikram Thapa. The agitating doctors boycotted the OPD services across the country on Sunday, affecting the patients. 

The Criminal Code that came into effect from August 17 has a provision to impose fine and jail doctor if found guilty of negligence or recklessness while the treating patients. The provision is aimed at curbing negligence and recklessness by doctors.

The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs had earlier pledged to amend the provisions.  The medical fraternity has announced phase-wise protests over the government’s reluctance to amend the new law.