Listen to Nurses Before It Is Too Late

A democratic government earns public trust by responding promptly and sincerely to citizens' legitimate concerns. When grievances are addressed through dialogue and timely decisions, democratic values are strengthened. When they are ignored until they erupt into crises, both governance and public confidence suffer. The ongoing agitation by nurses is a reminder that the government must abandon its habit of reacting only after situations become critical. On Monday, nurses from Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital and Bir Hospital staged demonstrations in support of nurse Jyoti Ranabhat, who entered the fifth day of her hunger strike demanding reforms in nursing education, patient safety, and nurses' pay and working conditions. The Nepal Medical Association and the Nepal Nursing Association have both urged the government to act immediately to protect her life. Health and Food Safety Minister Nisha Mehta says the government is trying to resolve the issue through dialogue. Yet the protesting nurses remain unconvinced, arguing that the authorities have failed to demonstrate the seriousness the situation demands. Their skepticism is understandable. Nepal has witnessed too many agreements that were celebrated at the negotiating table but quietly forgotten afterward. The nurses are not merely asking for talks; they are seeking credible assurances that commitments will be implemented. Given the steady exodus of skilled nurses and other healthcare professionals from Nepal, their demands deserve urgent attention rather than bureaucratic delay.