Nepal doctors strike in hospitals

Nepalese doctors have begun a three-day strike in hospitals across the country in protest against recent attacks on them by the public.

The strike has brought many medical services to a halt, although emergency treatment is still being provided.

Angry protestors on Monday manhandled doctors and vandalised a hospital in the capital, Kathmandu.

They accused the doctors of negligence leading to the death of a baby. Doctors denied the allegation.

The Nepal Medical Association has demanded that the assailants be punished and enough security be provided to doctors.

The health minister, Amik Sherchan, has appealed to doctors to call off the strike. He vowed to look into the doctors' grievances.

Allegations of negligence in hospitals and attacks on doctors have become common in recent months.