The National Doctors Association Nepal (NDAN) has strongly criticized recent remarks by the Health Minister suggesting that Nepal should collect "royalty" from countries employing Nepali doctors. In a press statement issued on 29th May, 2025, NDAN described the statement as insensitive, impractical, and disrespectful, especially at a time when Nepal’s healthcare system is grappling with severe structural and human resource challenges.
The association stated that the minister's comment reduces doctors to commodities and the ministry to a broker. “This approach does nothing to strengthen the healthcare system or to retain the country’s qualified medical professionals,” the statement read.
Brain Drain Rooted in Systemic Failure
Highlighting the deteriorating state of healthcare across the country, NDAN pointed to critical issues including the shortage of doctors in rural areas, lack of medicines and equipment in public hospitals, and the failure to guarantee citizens' constitutional right to basic healthcare.
NDAN argues that it is not personal desire but systemic neglect and insecurity that compels doctors to migrate abroad. “Doctors leave not for dreams, but because they are forced to, under the pressure of economic burdens, career stagnation, and lack of dignity,” the statement noted.
With increasing numbers of Nepali doctors appearing for exams such as USMLE, PLAB, AMC, and NBDE, the association says the government’s current attitude seems to be an attack on even the few remaining opportunities doctors have to build a secure future.
Eight Key Policy Recommendations
Instead of rhetoric, NDAN has urged the government to adopt a long-term, practical approach to retain medical professionals in the country. It has proposed eight actionable recommendations to improve the healthcare ecosystem and build trust among medical workers:
- Modernize the 30-year-old government staffing structure through a nationwide operations and maintenance (O&M) survey, increase medical posts, and initiate recruitment through the Public Service Commission.
- Allow doctors studying on government scholarships to pursue higher studies and competitive exams, such as the Lok Sewa, during their service.
- Provide special incentives for doctors serving in rural and remote areas.
- Implement the Zero Tolerance Policy for workplace safety, pending at the ministry for over a year.
- Ensure defined work hours and leave provisions for resident doctors.
- Allocate a budget for healthcare research to encourage innovation and evidence-based practice.
- Promote transparency and merit-based recruitment and placement in the health sector.
- Offer subsidized government loans to doctors for education and career development.
Doctors as Nation Builders, Not Commodities
Reaffirming their commitment to national service, NDAN concluded by calling on the government to treat doctors as essential public servants, not as commodities to be exported. "If the government truly wants doctors to stay, it must guarantee their dignity, rights, and future within Nepal," the association emphasized.
NDAN stated that it will not tolerate any move that undermines the dedication and sacrifices of Nepali medical professionals and urges the Ministry of Health to engage in policy reform, rather than making populist statements.
