Health Worker Security Bill Feedback Ends Today

The Ministry of Health and Population has closed the public consultation period for a draft bill proposing amendments to the Health Worker and Health Institution Security Act, 2009, marking the next step in efforts to strengthen legal protection for healthcare professionals and medical institutions.

The draft was released on July 21 with a seven-day window for comments from the public, professional bodies, and other stakeholders. Suggestions were invited through the ministry’s legal division via email before the consultation period ended.

The proposed changes come as attacks, vandalism, and abuse targeting health workers have continued to disrupt healthcare services. The government is seeking to reinforce the legal framework so that such incidents are dealt with more effectively and with greater legal clarity.

Students Included in Legal Protection

One of the key amendments would extend the law’s protection to students pursuing health-related studies, recognizing that they too can face risks while receiving practical training in hospitals and other health facilities.

The draft also proposes adding the display or use of criminal force with weapons to the list of prohibited acts under the law, widening the scope of conduct that can attract legal action.

• Health science students would be brought under the Act’s protection.
• Armed intimidation and criminal show of force would be explicitly prohibited.
• The Ministry would receive authority to issue guidelines, procedures, and standards for implementing the law.

Implementation Powers Proposed for the Ministry

Beyond expanding legal protections, the amendment seeks to give the Ministry of Health and Population clear authority to formulate implementation guidelines, operational procedures, and standards. The proposal is intended to ensure that security measures are not limited to legislation alone but can also be enforced through practical administrative mechanisms.

The ministry has said it will review all submissions received during the consultation process before revising the draft as necessary and moving it forward through the legislative process. If enacted, the amended law is expected to provide a stronger and more clearly defined legal framework for the protection of health workers and health institutions across Nepal.