Healing a Nation: Nepal’s Health System One Month After the Gen Z Riots
- EMMS International
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
A month after the Gen Z protests shook Nepal, the country is still grappling with the aftermath of its most violent political unrest in recent years. Triggered by a social media ban but fuelled by deep frustration over corruption and inequality, the demonstrations clashed violently with law enforcement. Within a week, government buildings were burned, ministers’ homes destroyed, and the administration collapsed. At least 72 people, mostly young protesters, were killed, and more than 1,300 were injured. Hospitals in Kathmandu and regional centres were pushed to capacity, suspending routine services to handle trauma cases.
Adding to Nepal's Healthcare Burden
The crisis put immense strain on healthcare services, but its impact extends beyond emergency care and ripples into rural services. At the peak of the unrest, healthcare services were seriously curtailed to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and patients from violence. Those clinics that were not overwhelmed with emergency cases were unable to conduct routine community services, and patients were unable to visit for outpatient services. EMMS International’s partner, Green Pastures Hospital, was actively providing emergency support while doing all they could to care for their existing patients under extreme pressure.
As the dust settles, there is a lot to rebuild. Many government buildings, such as District Administration Offices, Ministries, Rural Municipalities, and Ward Offices, have been damaged. EMMS International’s local partners are supporting these local government authorities with basic materials and equipment to ensure the continuity of essential emergency services.
But it is not just infrastructure. Both public and private healthcare facilities rely on functioning government systems to provide the most basic healthcare services. Approval of budgets, provision of supplies and medicines, funding for healthcare and social workers all depend on the government. Resources are further stretched as time and money are divided between recovery and service maintenance.
Rebuilding Trust and a Stronger Healthcare System
But the larger task ahead is to rebuild the government and public trust in that government. On 12 September, Sushila Karki, former Chief Justice, was sworn in as interim Prime Minister. She and her interim government are tasked with tackling the recovery while preparing for national elections on 5 March 2026.
Behind the flames of September’s demonstrations was a system already in crisis. In recent years, healthcare workers in Nepal have engaged in strikes and protests to demand better working conditions, the safety of healthcare workers, and the improvement of healthcare facilities. And this year, Gen Z protestors added their voices to calls to end corruption and inequality.
The responses of the interim and future governments offer an opportunity to rebuild a stronger healthcare system. In the meantime, frontline healthcare services must get the support they need to continue. Experience tells us that, as in the aftermath of natural disasters, crises add to the burden of those who already struggle to access the healthcare they deserve.
Sustaining Critical Care
Since news of the crisis broke, we have kept in touch with our local partners to ensure they are safe and find out how their work is affected. The long-term recovery adds to the pressures of delivering quality care. Your support helps see our partners through this crisis and makes sure vital services continue, including for palliative care patients who already face isolation.
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