Nepal, July 8 -- On Monday, healthcare services across the country, except for emergencies, were disrupted as the Nepal Medical Council went on a strike in response to the Consumer Court's recent verdicts. The court has imposed penalties on some doctors, citing negligence in treating patients, which in turn led to complications and even patient death. Moreover, three private hospitals in Kathmandu-Chabahil-based Om Hospital, Grande City Clinic and Himal Hospital-have been asked to pay heavy fines. Even on Sunday, health professionals had organised an hour-long sit-in at hospitals in protest against the verdicts.

Agitating doctors claim the imposition of exorbitant fines on them is unjust, arguing that they are oath-bound to work in the b...