Safe and Dignified Health Sector – Working Together | Social Dialogue by UNIPHIN Nepal

Published On - October 4, 2023

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Date: 2nd October 2023

Venue: Hotel Yellow Pagoda, Jamal, Nepal

The inaugural Social Dialogue event on “Safe and Dignified Health Sector: Working Together” marked a historic milestone in Nepal’s healthcare sector. This pioneering initiative brought together workers, employers, and government officials for an engaging and constructive discussion on pressing issues within the healthcare industry. The event aimed to foster collaboration, share insights, and identify actionable solutions.

Panel Discussions

The event featured three insight in a panel discussions, each addressing a crucial aspect of the healthcare sector:

  1. Challenges in the Health Sector: Panelists discussed current challenges, including safety concerns, workforce issues, and policy considerations. Attendees gained valuable insights into the multifaceted challenges facing the sector.
  2. Collaborative Solutions: This panel explored potential solutions and opportunities for collaboration among stakeholders. The discussion highlighted the importance of collective action and partnerships in addressing healthcare challenges.
  3. Government’s Role and Commitment: Government representatives shared policies, support initiatives, and commitments to ensuring a safe and dignified healthcare sector. Participants appreciated the government’s dedication to improving healthcare conditions.

Key Discussions

Opening Remarks by Mr. Prithivi Thapaliya

The President of UNIPHIN, Mr. Prithivi Thapaliya, commenced the event by sharing the concept and purpose behind conducting this Social Dialogue. He emphasized that the healthcare sector has traditionally operated by pointing fingers, and through this Social Dialogue, UNIPHIN aimed to change that narrative. He stated, “Till now, the sector works on blaming together, and through this Social Dialogue, we want to work together to rise together in the healthcare sector of the country.”

Mr. Thapaliya raised several critical issues faced by healthcare workers followed by the issues of Nursing professionals by Mina Poudel and set the stage for focused discussions during the event. They stressed the importance of addressing these concerns collaboratively to bring positive change to the sector.

The panel discussions during the event focused on several key issues but the highlighted issues by Mr. Thapliyal and Ms. Paudel for the discussion were: 

  1. No Work Without Contract: Ensuring that every healthcare worker has a formal contract in place is essential to protect their rights and provide job security. The discussion explored mechanisms to guarantee that no individual works without a valid employment contract.
  2. Workers’ Regulations with Worker Representatives: Regulations governing healthcare workers should be developed in collaboration with representatives from the workforce. This inclusive approach helps create policies that are fair, equitable, and considerate of healthcare workers’ needs and concerns.
  3. Zero Tolerance for Violence and Harassment: The healthcare sector should adopt a zero-tolerance policy regarding any form of violence or harassment at work. Creating a safe and respectful work environment is essential for both the well-being of healthcare workers and the quality of patient care.
  4. Fulfilling Vacancies for School Health Nurses: Addressing the shortage of school health nurses is crucial for promoting the health and well-being of students. This discussion explored strategies to fulfill vacant positions and enhance school health services.
  5. Health Worker-to-Patient Ratio: Ensuring that the healthcare system adheres to recommended worker-to-patient ratios, as per WHO guidelines, is vital for maintaining the quality of care and preventing burnout among healthcare professionals.

Panelists and Participants

The panelists in the program included:

  • Chairman of the Program: UNIPHIN’s President, Dr. Prithivi Thapaliya 
  • Chief Guest – Additional Secretary for Ministry of Health & Population of Nepal Dr Dipendra Raman Singh
  • Guest of Honor: UNI Apro Regional Secretary, Rajendra Kumar Acharya
  • Guest of Honor: UNI Nepal President , Shankar Lamichhane 
  • Guest of Honor: Medical and Dental College Association President Dr. Gyanendra Karki 
  • Guest of Honor: Association of Private Health Institution Nepal (APHIN) Advisor and Investor in Health sector Mr. Lok Bdr Tandan
  • Guest of Honor: Nursing Professional Mina Paudel

The government representative expressed deep appreciation for the informative and eye-opening discussions during the event. He acknowledged that the event had shed light on critical gaps in the healthcare sector. He assured the participants that he had taken note of all key messages and issues discussed and committed to:

  • He pledged to ensure the establishment of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) committees in all healthcare institutions, with rigorous monitoring.
  • Briefing his ministry and other stakeholders on the insights gained.
  • Inclusion of some of the discussed issues in the 16th Five-Year Plan to initiate concrete actions.

The President of the Medical and Dental College Association shared valuable insights from the academic and training perspective. He emphasized:

  • To prevent staff turnover and the outmigration of healthcare professionals, it is imperative for all stakeholders to collaborate in enhancing salaries and benefits.
  • The need for comprehensive training and empowerment of healthcare workers.
  • The government’s responsibility to protect healthcare workers.
  • His openness to collaborate with healthcare workers to understand their challenges and jointly find solutions.

The Advisor of APHIN shared his extensive experience in hospital management and addressed a critical issue—the adequacy of salaries for healthcare workers. He highlighted the challenges faced by healthcare institutions in balancing costs and revenues. Lok Bdr. Tandan also suggested:

  • The adoption of health system insurance policies, similar to other countries, to benefit workers, patients, and investors.
  • The importance of retaining youth in the country and exploring possibilities for their engagement.

UNI Apro Regional Secretary

The UNI Apro Regional Secretary shared the significance of regional perspectives on healthcare challenges. He underscored the importance of such social dialogues as a means for collective progress and collaboration among all stakeholders. He also emphasized on zero tolerance on violence and harassment at the world of work and advocated for ILO C 190 which is yet to ratify in Nepal.

The program was skillfully conducted by UNIPHIN’s Vice President, Mr. Dinesh Pokhrel. It commenced with a warm and welcoming speech delivered by Treasurer Pratima Bhatta, setting an engaging tone for the day’s proceedings. The panel discussion, a pivotal part of the event, was expertly moderated by UNI Nepal President, Mr. Shankar Lamichhane, guiding insightful discussions and interactions among the panelists and participants. As the program drew to a close, the audience was treated to thoughtful closing remarks by UNIPHIN’s Women Committee President, Ms. Rojila Karki, encapsulating the spirit of collaboration and commitment that defined the event.