Kathmandu: Doctors and health workers across Nepal shut down outpatient (OPD) services at most hospitals today, Tuesday, leaving patients without treatment.

The Nepal Medical Association called the strike to protest a violent attack on Dr. Pramod Ram and other health workers at Narayani Hospital in Birgunj, along with mistreatment they say occurred at the District Administration Office in Parsa.

In a press release issued Monday, the association said all services except emergency care at government, non-government and private hospitals alike, would be suspended until doctors’ safety is guaranteed, those responsible face action and a secure work environment is ensured. It warned further protests could follow if the demands are not met.

Big government hospitals including Bir Hospital, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital and Civil Hospital in New Baneshwar, kept emergency services running while every other department stayed closed. Notices about the shutdown were posted at OPD ticket counters and crowds built up as patients arrived expecting regular care.

At some hospitals, a batch of OPD tickets had already been handed out before word of the shutdown came through, so those patients were treated before services closed. Many others had to leave untreated or turned to emergency rooms instead adding to the pressure there. The staff said no one was turned away outright, since arriving patients were simply routed through emergency tickets rather than the regular OPD line.

Patients bore the brunt of the closure. Many who came for scheduled check ups had to go home without seeing a doctor while others were pushed into longer emergency room queues.

The Ministry of Health and Population has urged hospitals not to let services stop but hospitals have not complied. Co spokesperson Dr. Samir Kumar Adhikari said Tuesday that an investigation and legal action against those responsible are underway, though OPD services remained closed.